Introduction to Topic 9.2 - Arithmetic Sequences and Series

In the last topic, you learned the definition and some essential characteristics of sequences. Many sequences have no discernible patterns, even though they may express real-world data (such as the number of people crossing a street in any given hour). But those sequences with patterns are useful, in that we may use them to predict future quantities of countable, real-world phenomena.

The first type of sequence pattern we will examine is the common difference, creating sequences that are called arithmetic. We also will learn how to add together some or all of the terms of such sequences and create series.

Essential Questions:
How do you identify and determine the general rule for an arithmetic sequence?
What is the difference between a sequence and a series?
How do arithmetic sequences and series model real-world situations?
What is the meaning of sigma notation (Σ,)?