Page 1: Understanding Sigma Notation and Series Fundamentals

This page introduces the fundamental concepts of series and sigma notation in precalculus. The content begins with essential definitions and moves into practical applications through examples.

Definition: A series is defined as the sum of the terms of a sequence.

Vocabulary: Sigma notation (Σ) consists of three key components:

• Index: The variable below sigma (typically n)
• Lower bound: Starting term number
• Upper bound: Ending term number
• Explicit formula: Expression generating the series terms

Example: Finding the sum of finite sequences like:

• Σ(n²) from n=1 to 5, which equals 1+4+9+16+25
• Σ(2) from n=1 to 6, which equals 2+2+2+2+2+2=12

Highlight: The page introduces both arithmetic and geometric series, with special attention to writing sums in sigma notation and calculating finite series sums.