Chapter 14
Spotting Patterns in Sequences and Series
IN THIS CHAPTER
Finding general formulas for sequences and series
Dealing with arithmetic sequences and series
Solving geometric sequences and series
Using the binomial theorem
This chapter is all about patterns. No, it’s not about making quilts, although there could be some overlap … nah! The patterns covered here are all about numbers, not cloth. Namely, you get good practice involving sequences, series, and the binomial theorem.
A sequence is an ordered list of numbers. A series is the sum of some of the terms in a sequence. Sequences and series often follow a pattern, and this is described with a mathematical formula. The binomial theorem is the result of discovering the pattern of an expanded binomial.
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One mathematical term that comes up frequently in this chapter is factorial, which has appeared in other mathematical subjects. The factorial operation, , read “n factorial,” is defined . The n can’t be negative. And, a special ...