Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Lesson 7.1
Review: Sequences

Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objective 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 3

Sequence 3
Arithmetic Sequence 3
Geometric Sequence 5
Harmonic Sequence 6
Fibonacci Sequence 7

Key Points 12

Key Formulas 13

Check Your Understanding 13

Challenge Yourself 14

Photo Credit 15

Bibliography 15

Key to Try It! 16

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Lesson 7.1

Review: Sequences

Introduction
Recurrent structures and forms can easily be observed in nature, such as in plants, flowers,
or fruits. Fibonacci sequence, for example, plays a vital role in phyllotaxis, which refers to the
arrangement of leaves or flowers of a plant. The various patterns that exist in nature display
a set of numbers that are closely related to one another. Fibonacci numbers can easily be
identified in spirals formed by flowers or leaves. These numbers can also be seen in the
number of flower petals. Mostly have three (lilies), five (rose hips), eight (cosmea), 13
(daisies), or 21 (chicory).

7.1. Review: Sequences 1

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

In this lesson, we will review the different types of sequences. We will also recall how to solve
problems involving sequences.

Learning Objectives
DepEd Competencies
In this lesson, you should be able to do the
This lesson serves as a prerequisite for
following:
the following DepEd competencies:
• Recall the concept of a sequence.
• Illustrate a series
• Recall the different types of sequences. (STEM_PC11SMI-Ih-1).
• Solve problems involving sequences. • Differentiate a series from a

sequence (STEM_PC11SMI-Ih-2).
• Use the sigma notation to

represent a series
(STEM_PC11SMI-Ih-3).

Warm Up
What is Next? 10 minutes
This activity will allow students to recall the concepts of sequences.

Materials
● paper
● pen

Procedure
1. Determine the next three terms of the following sequences.
a. 36, 50, 64, 78, ______, ______, ______
b. 17, −51, 153, −459, ______, ______, ______
2 1 1 1
c. , ,
3 6 24 96
, , ______, ______, ______

7.1. Review: Sequences 2

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

d. 12, 15, 27, 42, ______, ______, ______

e. 16, 19, 18, 21, 20, 23, ______, ______, ______
2. Answer the questions that follow individually.

Guide Questions
1. What pattern exists on the first given sequence?
2. How did you solve for the next three terms of the given sequences?
3. How did you determine the different kinds of sequences?

Learn about It!

Sequence
A sequence is a list of numbers or objects in a specific order and may be generated from
shapes or patterns. Each number in a sequence is called a term. Each term is identified by its
position in the sequence and is usually denoted as 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , … , 𝑎𝑛 .

A sequence can be classified as finite or infinite. A finite sequence has a limited number of
terms, while an infinite sequence has an unlimited number of terms. There are four kinds of
sequences—arithmetic, geometric, harmonic, and Fibonacci.

How do different kinds of sequences differ from

one another?

Arithmetic Sequence
An arithmetic sequence (also known as arithmetic progression) is a sequence where each
term after the first is obtained by adding a constant 𝑑, called the common difference. To
identify the common difference of an arithmetic sequence, subtract any two consecutive
terms of the sequence.

7.1. Review: Sequences 3

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

To determine the terms of an arithmetic sequence, consider the given example.

Example:
Write the first five terms of an arithmetic sequence whose 𝑛th term is given by
𝑎𝑛 = 30 − 3𝑛.

To solve for the first five terms of the sequence, substitute 𝑛 = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to the 𝑛th term of
the given sequence.

For 𝑛 = 1, For 𝑛 = 2, For 𝑛 = 3, For 𝑛 = 4 For 𝑛 = 5

𝑎1 = 30 − 3(1) 𝑎2 = 30 − 3(2) 𝑎3 = 30 − 3(3) 𝑎4 = 30 − 3(4) 𝑎5 = 30 − 3(5)

𝑎1 = 27 𝑎2 = 24 𝑎3 = 21 𝑎4 = 18 𝑎5 = 15

Thus, the first five terms of the given arithmetic sequence are 27, 24, 21, 18, and 15.

The 𝑛th term 𝑎𝑛 of an arithmetic sequence with first term 𝑎1 and common difference 𝑑 is
given by the equation below.

𝒂𝒏 = 𝒂𝟏 + (𝒏 − 𝟏)𝒅

Example:
Find the 12th term of the arithmetic sequence whose first term is 10 and whose sixth term
is 50.

Step 1: Solve for the common difference 𝑑 by substituting 𝑎1 = 10 and 𝑎6 = 50 to the

formula 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑. To do this, replace 𝑎𝑛 with 𝑎6 .
𝑎6 = 𝑎1 + (6 − 1)𝑑
50 = 10 + 5𝑑
40 = 5𝑑
8=𝑑

7.1. Review: Sequences 4

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Step 2: Solve for 𝑎12 using 𝑑 = 8 and 𝑎1 = 10.

𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
𝑎12 = 10 + (12 − 1)8
𝑎12 = 10 + 88
𝑎12 = 98

Thus, the 12th term of the arithmetic sequence is 98.

Geometric Sequence
A geometric sequence is a sequence whose terms can be obtained by multiplying the
preceding term by a fixed number called a common ratio denoted by 𝑟. To identify the
common ratio of a geometric sequence, divide any two consecutive terms of the sequence.

The nth term 𝑎𝑛 of a geometric sequence with first term 𝑎1 and a common ratio 𝑟 is given by
the equation below.

𝒂𝒏 = 𝒂𝟏 𝒓𝒏−𝟏

Example:
Find the 8th term of the geometric sequence 4, 12, 36, …

Note that 𝑎1 = 4, 𝑟 = 3, and 𝑛 = 8. Use the formula for the 𝑛th term of a geometric sequence
and substitute these values to solve for the 8th term.
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑎8 = (4)(38−1 )
𝑎8 = 4(2 187)
𝑎8 = 8 748

Thus, the 8th term of the given geometric sequence is 8 748.

7.1. Review: Sequences 5

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

How will you know if a problem involves an

arithmetic or a geometric sequence?

Harmonic Sequence
A harmonic sequence is a sequence whose terms are reciprocals of an arithmetic sequence.
1 1 1 1
The terms of a harmonic sequence are denoted by , , ,… , where 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , … 𝑎𝑛 are
𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 𝑎𝑛

terms of an arithmetic sequence.

Example:
1 1 1 1
In the harmonic sequence 8 , 12 , 16 , … which term is 68 ?

1
The problem asks for 𝑛 if 𝑎𝑛 = . In its corresponding arithmetic sequence, we can see that
68

𝑎1 = 8, 𝑑 = 4, and 𝑎𝑛 = 68. Use the formula for the 𝑛th term of an arithmetic sequence and
substitute these values to solve for 𝑛.

𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
68 = 8 + (𝑛 − 1)4
68 = 8 + 4𝑛 − 4
68 = 4 + 4𝑛
64 = 4𝑛
16 = 𝑛

1
Thus, is the 16th term of the given harmonic sequence.
68

7.1. Review: Sequences 6

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Fibonacci Sequence
A Fibonacci sequence is a list of numbers such that the next term is obtained by adding the
two previous terms. The Fibonacci numbers are given below.

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, …

A Fibonacci-type sequence is a sequence in which it follows the pattern of a Fibonacci

sequence, and the first and second terms are given. An example is 1, 4, 5, 9, 14, … where 5 is
obtained by adding 1 and 4, 9 is obtained by adding 4 and 5, and so on.

Example:
List the first 8 terms of the Fibonacci-type sequence given that 𝐹1 = 2 and 𝐹2 = 7.

Since the first two terms are given, we add them to get the third term and continue the
process to obtain the first 8 terms.

2+7= 9
7 + 9 = 16
9 + 16 = 25
16 + 25 = 41
25 + 41 = 66
41 + 66 = 107

Thus, the first 8 terms of the Fibonacci-type sequence are 2, 7, 9, 16, 25, 41, 66, and 107.

7.1. Review: Sequences 7

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Let’s Practice!
Example 1
In the arithmetic sequence 5, 9, 13, 17, …, which term is 401?

Solution
Since we are looking for the term that contains 401, we must solve for 𝑛. Note that in the given
arithmetic sequence, 𝑎1 = 5, 𝑑 = 9 − 5 = 4, and 𝑎𝑛 = 401. Substitute the given to the formula
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑, and solve for 𝑛.

𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
401 = 5 + (𝑛 − 1)4
401 = 5 + (4𝑛 − 4)
401 = 4𝑛 + 1
400 = 4𝑛
100 = 𝑛

Thus, 401 is the 100th term of the arithmetic sequence.

1 Try It!
Which term is 4 096 in the geometric sequence 4, 8, 16, 32, …?

7.1. Review: Sequences 8

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Example 2
Find the sum of the squares of the 8th and 13th terms of the Fibonacci sequence.

Solution
Identify the 8th and 13th terms of the Fibonacci sequence by listing down the numbers in the
sequence.

0,1,1,2,3,5, 8, 𝟏𝟑, 21, 34, 55, 89, 𝟏𝟒𝟒, …

From the list, we can see that 13 and 144 are the 8th and 13th Fibonacci numbers,
respectively. Get the squares of each number and add.

132 + 1442 = 𝑥
169 + 20 736 = 𝑥
20 905 = 𝑥

Thus, the sum of the squares of the 8th and 13th Fibonacci numbers is 20 905.

2 Try It!
Find the difference of the squares of the 6th and 11th Fibonacci numbers.

Example 3
1 1
Find the first term of the harmonic sequence whose 4th term is and 8th term is − .
14 10

Solution
Step 1: Considering the corresponding arithmetic sequence of the given harmonic
sequence, we have 𝑎4 = 14 and 𝑎8 = −10. Construct two equations using these
values.

7.1. Review: Sequences 9

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Equation 1:
𝑎4 = 𝑎1 + (4 − 1)𝑑
14 = 𝑎1 + 3𝑑

Equation 2:
𝑎8 = 𝑎1 + (8 − 1)𝑑
−10 = 𝑎1 + 7𝑑

Step 2: Solve for 𝑑 using the elimination method of solving systems of equations.
Subtract the two equations to eliminate 𝑎1 .

14 = 𝑎1 + 3𝑑
−10 = 𝑎1 + 7𝑑
24 = − 4𝑑
−6 = 𝑑

Step 3: Solve for 𝑎1 by substituting 𝑑 to one of the equations. Here, we use Equation 1.

14 = 𝑎1 + 3𝑑
14 = 𝑎1 + 3(−6)
14 = 𝑎1 − 18
32 = 𝑎1

The first term of the corresponding arithmetic sequence is 32. Thus, the first term of the
𝟏
harmonic sequence is 𝟑𝟐.

3 Try It!
1 1
Find the first term of the harmonic sequence whose 3rd term is 7 and 6th term is − 17.

7.1. Review: Sequences 10

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Example 4
Experts tested an alternative insecticide in killing mosquitoes. They placed 640 mosquitoes in
a container and sprayed the insecticide. Every 30 minutes, half of the mosquitoes died. How
many mosquitoes were there after 2 hours?

Solution
Step 1: Analyze the problem to determine the given values necessary to solve the
problem.

Since the experiment started with 640 mosquitoes, the first term of the
sequence is 𝑎1 = 640. It is also stated that every 30 minutes, half of the
mosquitoes died. It means that after the first 30 minutes, there are 320
mosquitoes left, and after another 30 minutes, only 160 left. It now gives us a
1
sequence 640, 320, 160, which is a geometric sequence with 𝑟 = .
2

Step 2: We are looking for the number of mosquitoes after 2 hours, so we need to solve
1
for 𝑎5 . Substitute 𝑎1 = 640, 𝑟 = 2, and 𝑛 = 5 to the formula in finding the 𝑛th

term of a geometric sequence.

𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1
1 5−1
𝑎5 = 640 ( )
2
1
𝑎5 = 640 ( )
16
𝑎5 = 40

Thus, there are 40 mosquitoes left after 2 hours.

7.1. Review: Sequences 11

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

4 Try It!
There are 160 bacteria placed in a dish, and the number doubles every hour. How
many bacteria will there be after 5 hours?

Key Points

• A sequence is a list of numbers or objects in a specific order and may be generated from
shapes or patterns. Each number in a sequence is called a term.
• An arithmetic sequence is a sequence whose consecutive terms have a common
difference 𝑑.
• A geometric sequence is a sequence whose terms can be obtained by multiplying the
preceding term by a fixed number called the common ratio 𝑟.
• A harmonic sequence is a sequence whose terms are reciprocals of an arithmetic
sequence.
• Fibonacci sequence is a list of numbers such that the next term is obtained by adding
the two previous terms.

7.1. Review: Sequences 12

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Key Formulas

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Concept Formula Description

Use this formula to solve for

Arithmetic
𝒂𝒏 = 𝒂𝟏 + (𝒏 − 𝟏)𝒅 the 𝒏th term of an
Sequence
arithmetic sequence.

Use this formula to solve for

Geometric 𝒂𝒏 = 𝒂𝟏 𝒓𝒏−𝟏
the 𝒏th term of a geometric
Sequence
sequence.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Check Your Understanding

A. Identify the next three terms of the following sequences.
1. 8, −24, 72, −216, _______, _______, _______
1 2 3
2. , , , _______, _______, _______
2 3 4

3. 32, 27, 22, _______, _______, _______

4. 64, −32, 16, −8, ______, ______, ______
5. 13, 21, 34, 55, ______, ______, ______
1 1 1
6. , , , ______, ______, ______
24 21 18

7. 26, −78, 234, −702, ______, ______, ______

32
8. 24, 16, , ______, ______, ______
3
1 1
9. 2, , , ______, ______, ______
2 8
1 1 3 1
10. 8 , 4 , 8 , 2 , ______, ______, ______

7.1. Review: Sequences 13

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

B. Solve the following problems.

1. Find the 16th term of an arithmetic sequence whose first three terms are
7, −4, −15, …
2. Find the first term of an arithmetic sequence whose 6th term is −4 and 10th term is
−28.
3. Find the 10th term of the geometric sequence 3, −6, 12, …
1 1 1 1
4. Find the 11th term of the harmonic sequence 8 , 11 , 14 , 17 , …

5. Which term is 132 in the sequence whose 𝑎1 = 13 and 𝑑 = 7?

6. What is the first term of the arithmetic sequence whose 𝑎10 = 47 and 𝑎13 = 59?
7. What is the common ratio of the sequence with 𝑎5 = 729 and 𝑎8 = 27?
8. Find the 6th term of the geometric sequence whose 𝑎10 = 2 048 and 𝑎11 = 4 096.
1 1
9. Find the first term of the harmonic sequence whose 𝑎12 = 167 and 𝑎13 = 181.

10. What is the sum of the squares of the 8th and 12th term of a Fibonacci sequence?

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. Ynah’s annual salary in her work is ₱85 000. If she receives an increase of 25% yearly,
how much will be her annual salary after 5 years?
2. The growth of the population of rabbits follows a Fibonacci pattern. If the number of
rabbits in the first two months are 4 and 7 respectively, how many rabbits are there at
the end of one year?
3. If there are 1 200 bacteria at the end of the first day, how many bacteria are there after
6 days if they double in number each day?
4. Suppose your height increases at a steady rate of 3 inches every year when you were
a child. If your present height is 45 inches, then how many years will it take for you to
grow to 69 inches tall?
32
5. The numbers 18, 𝑘1 , 𝑘2 , 𝑘3 , 9
forms a geometric sequence. What is the value of 𝑘2 ?

7.1. Review: Sequences 14

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Photo Credit
Fibonacci spiral by Anna Benczur is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Bibliography
Barnett, Raymond, Michael Ziegler, Karl Byleen, and David Sobecki. College Algebra with
Trigonometry. Boston: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2008.

Bittinger, Marvin L., Judith A. Beecher, David J. Ellenbogen, and Judith A. Penna. Algebra and
Trigonometry: Graphs and Models. 4th ed. Boston: Pearson/Addison Wesley, 2009.

Blitzer, Robert. Algebra and Trigonometry. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:
Pearson/Prentice Hal, 2007.

Larson, Ron. College Algebra with Applications for Business and the Life Sciences. Boston:
MA:Houghton Mifflin, 2009.

Pierce, Rod. “Sequences.” Math Is Fun. Accessed February 25, 2020 from
https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/sequences-series.html

Simmons, George F. Calculus with Analytic Geometry. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996.

Stapel, Elizabeth. “Sequences and Series: Terminology and Notation.” Purplemath. Accessed
February 25, 2020 from https://www.purplemath.com/modules/series.htm

7.1. Review: Sequences 15

Unit 7: Series and the Sigma Notation

Key to Try It!

1. 𝑛 = 11
2. 3 000
3. 23
4. 5 120

7.1. Review: Sequences 16