MODULE 1.

Sequences and Series

Introduction
Sequences and it’s related topic, series, are important concepts in many branches of mathematics.
Its applications are numerous, particularly in biology, physics, investments, accountancy, and even in the
field of arts.
Nature is not a strange place for these mathematical concepts. Sequential patterns have been
observed in beehive construction, pine cone, sunflower, and pineapple structures. Even in Nautilus shell
exhibits a definite pattern of numbers.
Varied experiences with problem solving involving sequences and Series as a method of inquiry
and application aim to make learners use these approaches in mathematical investigation, understand
mathematical content, formulate problems from situations within and outside mathematics, and
acquire confidence in using mathematics meaningfully.

Sequence
A sequence is a succession of numbers in specific order. Each number in a sequence is called a
term. The terms is formed according to some fixed rule of property. They are arranged as the first term,
the second term, the third term, and so on. A sequence with a definite number of terms is a finite
sequence. In a finite sequence, the first an the last terms are clearly indentified.

The following sequences are finite:

Sequence First Term Last Term Number of Terms
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 1 5 5
-2, 4, -8, . . ., -2048, 4096 -2 4096 12
38, 33, 28, 23, 18, 13 38 13 6

The first and the last terms of a sequence are referred to as extremes. The term between the first
and the last terms are called means.

A sequence with no definite number of terms is an infinite sequence. The following are examples
of an infinite sequence:
-9, -2, 5, 12, 19, . . .
27, 9, 3, 1, 1/3, 1/9, . . .
½, ¼, 1/6, 1/8, . . .
. . . , -64, -49, -36, -25, -16
Activity 1
Find the next three terms of each sequence.
Number 1 is done for you.
1. 25, 17, 9, . . .
Solution: Search for a pattern using the given terms of the sequence.
In the sequence 25, 17, 9 . . . the next term is 8 less than any preceding term. Hence, the
next three terms are 1, -7, and -15.
2. 1, -4, 9, -16, . . .
3. 0.5, 1.5, 4.5, . . .
4. 4, 5, 9, 14, . . .

A sequence is a function whose domain is the set of natural numbers or a subset of consecutive
positive integers.