Worked example 8: Sum of an arithmetic sequence if rst and last terms are

known
QUESTION
Find the sum of the series 5 3 1 + + 123
SOLUTION
Step 1: Identify the type of series and write down the known variables
d = T
2
T
1
= 3 (5)
= 2
d = T
3
T
2
= 1 (3)
= 2
a = 5; d = 2; l = 123
Step 2: Determine the value of n
T
n
= a + (n 1)d
123 = 5 + (n 1)(2)
= 5 + 2n 2
130 = 2n
n = 65
Step 3: Use the general formula to
nd the sum of the series
S
n
=
n
2
(a + l)
S
65
=
65
2
(5 + 123)
=
65
2
(118)
= 3835
Step 4: Write the nal answer
S
65
= 3835
Worked example 9: Finding n given the sum of an arithmetic sequence
QUESTION
Given an arithmetic sequence with T
2
= 7 and d = 3, determine how many terms
must be added together to give a sum of 2146.
SOLUTION
Step 1: Write down the known variables
d = T
2
T
1
3 = 7 a
a = 4
a = 4; d = 3; S
n
= 2146
27 Chapter 1. Sequences and series