Summation notation
from class:
College Algebra
Definition
Summation notation is a mathematical way to represent the sum of a sequence of terms. It uses the Greek letter sigma (Σ) to indicate summation.
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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The general form is $\sum_{i=m}^{n} a_i$, where $i$ is the index of summation, $m$ is the lower limit, and $n$ is the upper limit.
- The expression $a_i$ represents the terms being added together.
- If the upper limit is less than the lower limit, the summation equals zero by convention.
- Summation notation can be used to simplify expressions involving series and sequences.
- It is often used in calculus, statistics, and linear algebra for compact representation of sums.
Review Questions
- What does $\sum_{i=1}^{n} i$ represent?
- How would you expand $\sum_{k=2}^{5} (3k + 1)$?
- What happens if the upper limit is less than the lower limit in summation notation?
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