Lesson 18
Introduction to Sequence
Welcome
What do you think of when you hear the word “sequence”? Do you think of a set of numbers listed in a special order? If we can find a pattern for the set of numbers or sequence, we can write an algebraic form called a closed form for the sequence. If we have a closed form for a sequence, we can analyze it using the Sequence application.
Lesson Goals
- To understand the closed form of a sequence
- To be able to identify a given sequence as arithmetic or geometric
- To understand the relationship between a sequence and a series
- To understand the summation symbol
In Lesson 18 you will learn how to:
- Input sequences in explicit and recursive formats
- View data tables for sequences
- Graph sequences
- Identify whether a sequence is arithmetic or geometric
- Use summation notation
Upon completion of this lesson you will be able to answer the following questions:
- If the difference between consecutive terms is the same, what type of sequence is it?
- What type of sequence requires us to have an initial term given?
- How do we link a table of values to the graph window?
- How many terms in a sequence are summed if the starting value is n=12 and the ended value is n=21?
Time Required
About 60 minutes.