More on Sequences
Another special sequence and its sum: $T = \langle 1, 4, 9, \dots, n^2\rangle$, the sequence of squares of integers, has the sum
$$\sum_{i=1}^n i^2 = 1 + 4 + 9 + \dots + n^2 = \frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6}.$$
- A sequence whose terms always grow (e.g., $\langle 1, 4, 9, \dots, n^2\rangle$,) always diminish (e.g., $\langle 10^n, \dots, 10^2, 10^1, 10^0\rangle$,) or are always constant is called a monotone sequence.
- A sequence whose terms are always constant (e.g., $\langle 7, 7, 7, \dots, 7\rangle$) is called a constant sequence.
Fun class activities: (1) What is the sum $\sum_{i=1}^{15} i$? (2) The sum $\sum_{i=1}^5 i^2$? (3) $5!$ (4) The sum $\sum_{i=0}^\infty \frac{1}{2^i}$?