Chapter 2: Sequences and Series

1.

(a)

The sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic progression is given by

S n 2n 2 8n.
Find the first term and the common difference.

(b)

Given that the first two terms of the geometric progression are 64 and 48
respectively. The first three terms of the geometric progression are also the 1st
term, 9th term and the nth term respectively of an arithmetic progression. Find
the value of n.
[Ans: (a) 10, 4 (b) 15]
1

2.

(a)
(b)

Express 4r 1 4r 3 in partial fractions.

n
1
1
1
1
.

4n 1
Hence, show that r 1 4r 1 4r 3 4
1
1
1

[Ans: (a) 4 4r 3 4r 1 ]

3.

4.

1 2x
3
Find the expansion of 1 3x until the term in x in ascending powers of x.
23 2
1 4x
x 35 x 3 ...
2
[Ans:
]

(a)

(b)

5.

2
Given that the expansio of 1 ax until the term in x in ascending powers
1
1 2.
1
x
x .
15
225
of x equals
Find the values of a and n.
2
x ,
3
25 evaluate 127 , correct to 4 decimal places.
Hence, by substituting
1 1
,
[Ans: (a) 5 3 (b) 5.0265]
n

(a)

Expand 1 x

(b)

Hence, expand

(c)
(d)

1
2

3
in ascending powers of x up to the term in x .
4 5x

1 x in ascending powers of x up to the term in x 3 .

4 5x
22 3
.
By substituting x 0.08, show that the value of 1 x is 9
Use your expansion in (b) and value in (c) to estimate the value of 3, correct
to three significant figures.
1
3
5
5
1 x x 2 x 3 ...,
4 3 x x 2 x 3 ...,
2
8
16
8
[Ans: (a)
(b)
(d) 1.73]