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Module Sigma Notation

This document provides an overview of a lesson on sigma notation. The lesson has two main objectives: (1) for students to be able to use sigma notation to represent series, and (2) evaluate sums written in sigma notation. The lesson outline includes defining sigma notation, evaluating sums, properties of sigma notation, and calculating sums using properties. Sigma notation provides a shorthand way to write sums and its power is shown in computing sums of numbers and algebraic expressions. Examples are provided to illustrate writing and evaluating sums in sigma notation as well as using properties of sigma notation.

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Joan Adelaide Biglete
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2K views9 pages

Module Sigma Notation

This document provides an overview of a lesson on sigma notation. The lesson has two main objectives: (1) for students to be able to use sigma notation to represent series, and (2) evaluate sums written in sigma notation. The lesson outline includes defining sigma notation, evaluating sums, properties of sigma notation, and calculating sums using properties. Sigma notation provides a shorthand way to write sums and its power is shown in computing sums of numbers and algebraic expressions. Examples are provided to illustrate writing and evaluating sums in sigma notation as well as using properties of sigma notation.

Uploaded by

Joan Adelaide Biglete
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson 2.2.

Sigma Notation
Time Frame: 2 one-hour sessions
Learning Outcomes of the Lesson
At the end of the lesson, the student is able to use the sigma notation to
represent a series.

Lesson Outline
(1) Definition of and writing in sigma notation
(2) Evaluate sums written in sigma notation
(3) Properties of sigma notation
(4) Calculating sums using the properties of sigma notation

Introduction
The sigma notation is a shorthand for writing sums. In this lesson, we will see the
power of this notation in computing sums of numbers as well as algebraic expressions.

2.2.1. Writing and Evaluating Sums in Sigma Notation


Mathematicians use the sigma notation to denote a sum. The uppercase Greek
letter ∑ (sigma) is used to indicate a “sum.” The notation consists of several
components or parts.

Let f(i) be an expression involving an integer i. The expression


f(m) + f(m + 1) + f(m + 2) + · · · + f(n)
can be compactly written in sigma notation, and we write it as

which is read “the summation of f(i) from i = m to n.” Here, m


and n are integers with m < n, f(i) is a term (or summand) of the
summation, and the letter i is the index, m the lower bound, and n the upper
bound.
Teaching Notes
Emphasize that
the value of i starts
at m, increases by
1, and ends at n.

Example 2.2.1. Expand each summation, and simplify if possible.

Solution. We apply the definition of sigma notation.

Example 2.2.2. Write each expression in sigma notation.

Solution.
The sigma notation of a sum expression is not necessarily unique. For example,
the last item in the preceding example can also be expressed in sigma
notation as follows:

However, this last sigma notation is equivalent to the one given in the example.

Seatwork/Homework 2.2.1
1. Expand each summation, and simplify if possible.

2. Write each expression in sigma notation.


2.2.2. Properties of Sigma Notation
We start with finding a formula for the sum of

in terms of n.
The sum can be evaluated in different ways. A simple, though informal,
approach is pictorial.

Teaching Notes
This illustration
can be done with
manipulatives, and
allow the students
to guess.

Another way is to use the formula for an arithmetic series with a1 = 1 and

an = n: .
We now derive some useful summation facts. They are based on the axioms
of arithmetic addition and multiplication.
A special case of the above result which you might encounter more often is
the following:

Example 2.2.3. Evaluate:

Example 2.2.4. Evaluate:


Example 2.2.5. Derive a formula for using a telescoping sum with terms f(i) = i 3.
Seatwork/Homework 2.2.2
1. Use the properties of sigma notation to evaluate the following summations.

Exercises 2.2
1. Expand each sum.
2. Write each expression in sigma notation.

3. Evaluate each sum.

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