Summation Notation

Key Questions

  • Answer:

    #sum_(n=1)^ooa_n=a_1+a_2+a_3+...#

    #sum_(n=0)^10n^2#

    Explanation:

    The summation notation is mostly used to represents series or to express a series in a short form.

    For example : if I want to write the series : #1+4+9+16+25#
    in summation notation I would simply write:

    #sum_(n=1)^5n^2#

  • Answer:

    It depends on the brand of calculator you have.

    Explanation:

    The only calculator series I'm familiar with is the Casio fx series, so I'll give an answer based on them.

    As far as I'm aware, Casio fx- 991ES and any calculator beyond that can perform summations using sigma notation.

  • Answer:

    Summation is a shorthand way for writing long additions.

    Explanation:

    Say you want to add all numbers up to and including 50.
    Then you could write out:
    #1+2+3+......+49+50#
    (If you really write this out in full, it'll be a long line of numbers).

    With this notation you would write:
    #sum_(k=1)^50 k#
    Meaning: sum up all the numbers #k# from #1to50#
    The #Sigma#-(sigma)-sign is the Greek letter for #S# (sum).

    Another example:
    If you want to add all the squares from #1to10# you simply write:
    #sum_(k=1)^10 k^2#
    You see that this #Sigma#-thing is a very versatile tool.

Questions