10

Mathematics
Quarter 1 - Module 2
Illustrating an Arithmetic Sequence.
M10AL – Ib – 1
What I Need to Know
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
define and illustrate an arithmetic sequence. The scope of this module permits
it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used
recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged
to follow the standard sequence of the course but the pacing in which you
read and answer this module is dependent on your ability.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define an arithmetic sequence, and

2. illustrate an arithmetic sequence.

Lesson 1 Illustrates an arithmetic

sequence.

What’s In
In the previous module, you have learned that a sequence is an arrangement
of objects, numbers or even figures which follows a certain pattern. Also, you
have learned about the processes in finding patterns of any sequence.
Look at the sequences below. Can you see the specific pattern they follow?

2, 4, 6, 8, … 3, 6, 12, 24, … 5, 10, 15, 20, …

Let us try to give emphasis on the differences you observed while we undergo
this module.

What’s New
Look at the following sequences. What is the pattern you observed in each
sequence?
Sequences Pattern
1. 2, 4, 6, 8, … by adding 2 to the preceding term.
 2. 3, 6, 12, 24, … by multiplying 2 to the preceding term.
3. 5, 10, 15, 20, … by adding 5 to the preceding term.

What is It
Observe the following sequences:
1. 4, 7, 10, 13, …
2. 33, 38, 43, 48, …
3. -2, -6, -10, -14, …
4. 100, 98, 96, 94, …

5. , 1, 1 , 2, …
Can you give the next two terms of the above sequences? How did you get
those terms?
If you get 16 and 19 in item 1, then you are correct. Notice that a constant
number 3 is added to the preceding term to get the next term. In item 2, 5 is
added to the preceding term to get the next term. While in items 3, 4 and 5,
the numbers -4, -2, and are added to the preceding term, respectively, to get
the next terms.
Notice that a constant or a common number is added to the preceding term
or the number before it, to get the next term in each of the sequences above.
The constant number being added is called the common difference and is
represented as d. All these sequences are called arithmetic sequences.
To find the common difference (d), you can simply subtract
• the second term (a2) by the first term (a1),
a2 – a1, or
• the third term (a3) by the second term (a2),
a3 - a2, or
• the fourth term (a4) by the third term (a3),
a4 - a2, or
• in general, a term (an) by its preceding term (an - 1)
d = an – an-1

Arithmetic Sequence

A sequence in which term after the first is formed by adding a fixed

number to the preceding term is called arithmetic sequence. The fixed
number or constant is called the common difference denoted by d
What’s More

Activity 1:

From the discussion on arithmetic sequence earlier, solve the problems that
follows.

1. Determine if the sequence is arithmetic or not. If it is, find the common

difference and the next three terms of the sequence. -4, 3, 10, 17, …
Solution:
a. To find out if the sequence is arithmetic, there must be a common
difference between any two consecutive terms in the sequence.
a2 – a1 = 3 – (-4) = 7

a3 – a2 = 10 – (3) = 7

a4 – a3 = 17 – 10 = 7

Because there is a common difference between consecutive terms, the

sequence is arithmetic.
b. The next three terms are obtained by adding 7 to the preceding term,
so that
a5 = a4 + 7 = 17 + 7 = 24
a6 = a5 + 7 = 24 + 7 = 31

a7 = a6 + 7 = 31 + 7 = 38

So the next three terms are 24, 31, 38.

2. Write the first five terms of the arithmetic sequence with 5 as the first
term and with a common difference of -2.
Solution:
First term: a1 = 5
Second term: a2 = a1 + (-2) = 5 – 2 = 3
Third term: a3 = a2 + (-2) = 3 – 2 = 1
Fourth term: a4 = a3 + (-2) = 1 – 2 = -1
Fifth term: a5 = a4 + (-2) = -1 – 2 = -3
 As you notice, we add the common difference or the constant to the
preceding term to get the next term. So, the first five terms of the
sequence are 5, 3, 1, -1, and -3.

Remark: There is another way of finding the specified term of an arithmetic

sequence but it will be discussed in the next module. The same thing
is true for the general term of any arithmetic sequence.

3. Find the common difference an arithmetic sequence whose

a2 = 1, a5 = 7.
Solution:
a. Remember that to find a term we add the common difference , to the
preceding term, for instance,
a3 = a2 + d Equation 1

a4 = a3 + d Equation 2

a5 = a4 + d Equation 3.

b. Substitute a3 in Equation 1 to Equation 2

a4 = a3 + d
a4 = (a2 + d) + d
a4 = a2 + 2d Equation 4

c. Substitute a4 in Equation 4 to the Equation 3

a5 = a4 + d
a5 = (a2 + 2d) + d
a5 = a2 + 3d Equation 5

d. Substitute the given in Equation5

a5 = a2 + 3d
7 = 1 +3d Equation 6

e. Solve for d in Equation 6

7 = 1 + 3d
6 = 3d
2 =d

So, the common difference, d is 2.

4. Find the common difference of the arithmetic sequence
3a -1, 3a, 3a + 1, …
Solution:
a. We must remember that in an arithmetic sequence, the common
difference is a term minus the preceding term. Thus
d = a2 – a1 Equation 1 or
d = a3 – a2 Equation 2

b. If we use Equation 1 and substitute the given, we have

d= 3a – (3a -1)

c. If we simplify, we obtain d = 1.

So, the common difference is 1.

5. Find the value of a to make 3a +1, 4a, 6a + 1, … an arithmetic sequence?

Solution:
a. We must again remember that in an arithmetic sequence, the
common difference is a term minus the preceding term. Thus
d = a2 – a1 Equation 1 and
d = a3 – a2 Equation 2
b. If we substitute the given in Equation 1 and Equation 2,
d = 4a – (3a + 1) Equation 3
d = (6a + 1) – 4a Equation 4
c. Equate Equation 3 and Equation 4
4a – (3a + 1) = (6a + 1) – 4a
d. Combine similar terms
a – 1 = 2a + 1

e. Further simplify
-2 = a
Thus, the value of a is -2.

6. I was advised by my physician to walk each day in the morning as my

daily exercise. On my first day, I walked 40m. On the second and third
day, I walked 60m and 80m, respectively, and so on. Which of the
following is the distance I walked on the 10th day if I continue the pattern
in my daily walk?
 Solution:
a. If we analyze the problem, 40m, 60m, 80m, … follows an arithmetic
sequence since there is a common difference which is equivalent to
20. Dropping the unit, the given could be written as follows
40 , 60, 80, …
b. Continuing this pattern until the 10th term, we have
40 , 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 220, … Thus,
in the 10th day, the distance travelled is 220 m.

Assessment 1:
Find the common difference and the next three terms of each arithmetic
sequence. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Common Difference Next 3 Terms

_________ 1. 24, 14, 4, ___, ___, ___

_________ 2. 6, 10, 14, ___, ___, ___

_________ 3. -7, 4, 15, ___, ___, ____

_________ 4. 21, 15, 9, ___, ___, ___

_________ 5. -8, -6, -4, ___, ___, ___

_________ 6. 5, -1, -7, ___, ___, ___

_________ 7. 4.1, 11.1, 18.1, ___, ___, ___

_________ 8. -1, -8, -15, ___, ___, ___

_________ 9. -3x, -10x, -17x ___, ___, ___

_________ 10. 3a -1, 3a, 3a + 1, ______, ______, ______

What I Have Learned

Answer this question.

a. What is an arithmetic sequence?

b. How do we get the next terms of an arithmetic sequence?
What I Can Do

Activity 1: There is Math Around Us

Arithmetic sequence can be observed around us. Like the following fare rate
for first 4 kms of a modernized PUJ under General Community Quarantine
released by LTFRB last April 24, 2020.

Distance Fare

First kilometer 11.00

Second kilometer 12.50

Third kilometer 14.00

Fourth kilometer 15.50

If we compute the increase of fare for every increase of kilometer distance, they
are all equivalent to 1.50. With this, the fare rate is an example of an
arithmetic sequence.
Aside from examples involving money, identify three situations or three things
that you see or observe in your surroundings that illustrate an arithmetic
sequence.

Mathematics
Quarter 1 - Module 3

Arithmetic Means and nth Term

of an Arithmetic Sequence
M10AL – Ib – c – 1

What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. This will help
you determine arithmetic means and ೐ term of an arithmetic sequence. The
scope of this module will be used in many different learning situations. The
language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons
are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course but how you read
and answer this module is dependent on your ability.
After going through this module, you are expected to be able to
demonstrate knowledge and skill related to sequence and apply these in
solving problems. Specifically, you should be able to:
1. write a formula for the nth term of an arithmetic sequence,
2. use the formula to find the nth term or unknown term of an arithmetic
sequence,
3. define arithmetic means, and
4. determine arithmetic means of a sequence.

Lesson 2 Finding the Term of an

Arithmetic Sequence

What’s In
In the previous module, we define arithmetic sequence and give the next term
by adding a constant number.
For example: Find the next three terms of the arithmetic sequence: 3, 8, 13,
18, …
Solution:
a. The terms are a1 = 3, a2 = 8, a3 = 13, and a4 = 18. So, we will be finding
a5, a6, and a7.
b. The common difference (d) in the sequence is 5.
c. To get the next three terms, add 5 to each of the preceding term.
Thus: a5 = a4 + 5 = 18 + 5 = 23
a6 = a5 + 5 = 23 + 5 = 28
a7 = a6 + 5 = 28 + 5 = 33

What about if the problem is to find the 100th term or the 250th term? Can you
find the terms? Using the process that is illustrated above will take much of
your time and effort. There is a short cut in doing this and that is one of the
focus of this module.
What’s New
Before we find other higher terms of a sequence, let us first find lower terms.
In the arithmetic sequence: 3, 8, 13, 18,…; what is the 15th term?
Solution:
a. By adding the common difference to each of the preceding terms, we get
the following values.
n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
an 3 8 13 18 23 28 33 38 43 48 53 58 63 68 73
b. Thus, the 15th term is 73.

However, using this procedure to get any higher n th term would be tedious.
Thus, a formula is necessary to find any nth term.
What is It
Let us investigate on how to determine the nth term of a sequence. In the table:
a1 = 3 =3
a2 = 3 + 5 =8
a3 = 3 + 5 + 5 = 13
a4 = 3 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 18
. .
. .
. .
a13 = 3 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 63
a14 = 3 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 68
a15 = 3 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 73
These terms can be written in the following manner as a short cut.
a1 = 3 =3
a2 = 3 + 5 (1) =8
a3 = 3 + 5 (2) = 13
a4 = 3 + 5 (3) = 18
. .
. .
. .
a13 = 3 + 5 (12) = 63
a14 = 3 + 5 (13) = 68
a15 = 3 + 5 (14) = 73
Thus, if we find for the 16th term of the arithmetic sequence, then
a16 = 3 + 5 (15) = 78.
We can conclude that using the pattern observed the nth term of the sequence
is an = a1 + d (n-1), where an is the term that corresponds to n th position, a1 is
the first term, and d is the common difference.
 The nth term of an arithmetic sequence with first term a1 and common
difference d is given by: an = a1 + d (n-1)

What’s More

Let us apply this formula in solving the following:

A. Find the 21st term of the arithmetic sequence: 6, 9, 12, 15,…
Solution:
a. From the sequence, a1= 6 , d = 3, and n = 21.
b. Using the formula, substitute these values.
a21 = 6 + 3 (21 – 1)
a21 = 6 + 3 (20)
a21 = 6 + 60
a21 = 66
c. Thus, the 21st term is 66.

B. In the arithmetic sequence: 7, 10, 13, 16, . . .; find n if an = 304.

Solution:
a. From the sequence, a1 = 7, d = 3, and an = 304.
b. Using the formula, substitute these values.
an = a1 + d (n-1)
304 = 7 + 3 (n – 1)
304 = 7 + 3n – 3
304 = 4 +3n
300 = 3n
n = 100
Thus, 304 is the 100th term of the sequence.

C. The 3rd term of an arithmetic sequence is 8 and the 16th term is 47.
Find d, a1 and the 71st term.

Solution:
a. From the sequence, a3 = 8 and a16 = 47
b. These imply that:
a3 = a1 + d (3-1)
a16 = a1 + d (16-1)
8 = a1 + d (3-1)
 47 = a1 + d (16-1)
8 = a1 + 2d Eq. 1 47 = a1 + 15d Eq. 2
c. Using Eq. 1 and Eq. 2, solve for a1 and d. By subtracting Eq. 2 by
Eq. 1, then:
47 = a1 + 15d
– (8 = a1 + 2d)
39 = 13d
d=3
To solve for a1, substitute d = 3 to either Eq. 1 or Eq. 2. Using Eq. 1:
8 = a1 +2(3)
8 = a1 + 6
a1 = 2

Thus, the nth term of the arithmetic sequence is an = 2 + 3(n-1)

d. Using an = 2 + 3(n-1), we can solve for the 71st term.
a71 = 2 + 3(71- 1)
a71 = 2 + 3(70)
a71 = 2 + 210
a71 = 212
D. After one second, a rocket is 30 ft above the ground. After another
second, it is 85 feet above the ground. Then after another second, it is
already 140 feet above the ground. If it continues to rise at this rate,
how many feet above the ground will the rocket be after 16 seconds?
Solution:
a. From the problem we let the given be a1 = 30 a2= 85 a3 = 140

b. Find first d by substituting the given value of a1 and a2 in the

formula then simplify.
an = a1 + d (n-1)
85= 30 + d (2-1)
55 = d

c. To find a16, the unknown in the problem substitute the obtained

value of d and the given value of a 1 in the formula then simplify.
a16 = a1 + d (16-1)
=30+55(16-1)
= 855
d. Thus, the rocket will be 855 ft above the ground after 16 seconds.
Assessment:
A. Find the specified nth term of each arithmetic sequence.

_________1. 2, 5, 8, …; 9th term

_________ 2. 3, 5 7, …; 20th term
_________ 3. 26, 22, 18, …; 40th term
_________ 4. 103rd term of the arithmetic sequence if a1= -5 and d = -4
__________5. 25th term of the arithmetic sequence if a1 = ½ and d = - 3/8 .

B. Solve what is asked.

_________ 1. In the sequence 2, 6, 10, …; find n if the nth term is 102.

_________ 2. In the sequence 3,7/3, 5/3, …; find n if the nth term is -27.
_________ 3. Find the15th term of the sequence if a8= 5 and a21= -60
_________ 4. Find 5th term of the sequence if a15= 29 and a27= 47
_________ 5. If a1= -4, a25 = 100 , what is the value of a100 ?
What I Have Learned
Let us see if you understood our lesson by answering the following questions.
1. What is the general formula of finding the nth term of an arithmetic
sequence.
2. Given an arithmetic sequence, how do we find the common
difference?
3. Given two different nth terms of an arithmetic sequence, how do we
find for the common difference?

Lesson
Computing Arithmetic Means
3
What’s In
In the previous lesson, you learned how to determine the n th term of an
arithmetic sequence.

For example: In the sequence: 10, 15, 20, 25,…; what term has a value of 385?
Solution:
a. Using the formula, an = a1 + d(n – 1):
 385 = 10 + 5 ( n – 1 )
385 = 10 + 5n -5
385 = 5n + 5
5n = 385 – 5
5n = 380
n = 76
b. Thus, 385 is the 76th term of the given sequence.

The next lesson intends to discuss with you how to compute arithmetic
means.

What’s New
The focus of this part of the module has something to do with finding the
arithmetic means.

For example: In the sequence: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24; what is it’s arithmetic
means. Solution:
a. The arithmetic mean is a term between the first term and the last
term.
b. Thus, 8, 12, 16, and 20 are the arithmetic means of the sequence
because these terms are between 4 and 24, which are the first and
last term, respectively.
What is It
The first and last terms of a finite arithmetic sequences are called arithmetic
extremes, and the terms in between are called arithmetic means. In the
sequence 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24; the terms 4 and 24 are the arithmetic extremes,
while 8, 12, 16, and 20 are the arithmetic means. Also, 8 is the arithmetic
mean of the arithmetic extremes, 4 and 12.

The arithmetic mean between two numbers is sometimes called the average of
two numbers. If more than one arithmetic means will be inserted between two
arithmetic extremes, the formula for d, can be used.

The formula for, d can be used to find the arithmetic means if more
than one arithmetic means will be inserted between two arithmetic
extremes.
an − ak
d=
n−k
Let’s Try!
A. What is the arithmetic mean between 10 and 24?
Solution
a. Using the average formula, get the arithmetic mean of 10 and 24.

b. Thus, is the arithmetic mean.

B. Insert three arithmetic means between 8 and 16.

Solution:
a. If three arithmetic means will be inserted between 8 and 16, then
a1= 8 and a5 = 16.
8, _____, _____, _____, 16
a1 a2 a3 a4 a5

b. Using the formula for d, compute for the common difference.

c. The arithmetic means are a2, a3, and a4.

a2 = a1 + d
=8+2
= 10
a3 = a2 + d
= 10 + 2
= 12
a4 = a3 + d
= 12 + 2
= 14

d. Thus, the three arithmetic means between the arithmetic extremes,

8 and 16, are 10, 12, and 14.

C. Insert two arithmetic means between and 4√2

Solution:
a. If two arithmetic means will be inserted between and , then
 a and a .
, _____, _____, 4√2
a1 a2 a3 a4
b. Using the formula for d, compute for the common difference.

c. The arithmetic means are a2 and a3

a2 = a1 + d

a3 = a2 + d

d. Thus, the two arithmetic means between √2 and 4√2 are 2√2 and

3√2.

D. Find the missing terms of the arithmetic sequence:

_____, 6, _____, _____, 30.
Solution:
a. The arrangement of the terms tells that a 2 = 6 and a5 = 30. We are
supposed to find for a1, a3, and a4.

b. To find for the unknown, determine the common difference (d).

 c. Thus, the value of a2, a3, and a4 are:
a1 = a2 – d
=6–8
= –2
a 3 = a2 + d
=6+8
= 14
a 4 = a3 + d
= 14 + 8
= 22
What’s More
Let’s Do It!
Write answer on your answer sheet.
A. What is the arithmetic mean between the two given arithmetic extremes?
1. 5 and 19
2. 3𝑥2 + 8 and 𝑥2 – 6
3. -2 and 58
4. 2x + 3y and x – 5y
5. 13.8 and 15.6
B. Insert the specified number of arithmetic means between the two given
arithmetic extremes.
1. Three arithmetic means between 2 and 22.
2. Four arithmetic means between 8 and 23.
3. Two arithmetic means between 41 and 95.
4. Two arithmetic means between -5 and 1.
5. Two arithmetic means between 97 and 172.

What I Have Learned

Answer the following questions on your answer sheet.

1. How do we find the arithmetic mean of two arithmetic extremes?

2. When two or more arithmetic means are inserted between two
arithmetic extremes, how are they computed?
3. Do infinite sequences have arithmetic means? Why?

What I Can Do
A. Insert the specified number of arithmetic means between the given
arithmetic extremes.
1. Three arithmetic means between 18 and 92.
 2. Three arithmetic means between -14 and 6.
3. Four arithmetic means between 24 and -8.
4. Five arithmetic means between 6 and -18.
5. Two arithmetic means between 2√5 and 14√5.

Mathematics
Quarter 1 – Module 4:

Sum of Arithmetic Sequence

M10AL Ic-2

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
find the sum of the terms of an arithmetic sequence. The scope of this module
permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The lessons are
arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course but the pacing in
which you read and answer this module will depend on your ability.

After going through this module, you are expected to be able to demonstrate
knowledge and skill related to sequences and apply these in solving problems.
Specifically, you should be able to:
a) define arithmetic series,
b) find the sum of the first terms of a given arithmetic sequence,
and
c) solve word problems involving arithmetic series.
 Finding the Sum of the First
Lesson n Terms of an
Arithmetic Sequence.

WHAT’S IN
In the previous module, it was discussed that to find the nth term of a given
arithmetic sequence, the formula
an = a1 + d(n – 1) can be used.

For this module, we will be discussing how to find the sum of the first n terms
in an arithmetic sequence.

For example, how do we compute the sum of all the terms of each of the
following sequences?

a) 1, 2, 3, . . . , 100
b) 5, 10, 15, 20, . . . , 50
c) −5, −2, 1, 4, . . . , 31
Adding manually the terms of a sequence is manageable when there are only
few terms in the sequence. However, if the sequence involves numerous terms,
then it is no longer practical to be adding the terms manually. It is a tedious
work to do. Thus, this module will present to you a formula that will make the
computation easier and faster.

WHAT’S NEW
To let you experience getting the sum of the terms in a sequence manually, do
the following.

1. Find the sum of the first 20 natural numbers.

Solution:
a. By listing all the natural numbers from 1 to 20 and adding them, we
have:
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 11 + 12 + 13 + 14 + 15 + 16
+ 17 + 18 + 19 + 20 = 210
b. Thus, the sum of the first 20 natural numbers is 210.
 2. Find the sum of all the terms of the sequence: 5, 10, 15, 20, …, 50.

Solution:
a. By listing all the terms of the sequence and adding them, we have:
5 + 10 + 15 + 20 + 25 + 30 + 35 + 40 + 45 + 50 = 275
b. Thus, the sum of the terms of the sequence is 275.

3. Find the sum −5, −2 , 1, 4,…, 31.

Solution:
a. By listing all the terms of the sequence and adding them, we have:
−5 + ( − 2) + 1 + 4 + 7 + 10 + 13 + 16 + 19 + 22 + 25 + 28 + 31 = 169
b. Thus, the sum of the terms of the sequence is 169.

In doing this kind of solution, it is very challenging specially if you are dealing
with a sequence that has many terms. For example, finding the sum of the
terms of the sequence: 1, 2, 3, . . . , 10,000. There are 10,000 terms to be
added one by one to get their sum.

To derive a formula to be used in finding the sum of the terms of an arithmetic

sequence, consider the following illustration:

The terms of an arithmetic sequence with common difference, 𝑑, are

First term 𝑎1
Second term 𝑎1 + 𝑑
Third term 𝑎1 + 2𝑑
Fourth term 𝑎1 + 3𝑑
⋮ ⋮
𝑛 term
th 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑

Thus, the sum of the terms, 𝑆𝑛, is:

𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑎1 + 𝑑) + (𝑎1 + 2𝑑) + (𝑎1 + 3𝑑) + ⋯ + [𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)] equation 1

1st 2 nd 3rd 4th nth

The terms of an arithmetic sequence can also be written starting from the nth
term and successively subtracting the common difference, 𝑑. Hence,

𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 + (𝑎𝑛 − 𝑑) + (𝑎𝑛 − 2𝑑) + (𝑎𝑛 − 3𝑑) + ⋯ + [𝑎𝑛 − (𝑛 − 1)] equation 2

 To find the rule for 𝑆𝑛, add the two equations:

𝑆𝑛 = 1 + (𝑎1 + 𝑑) + (𝑎1 + 2𝑑) + (𝑎1 + 3𝑑) + ⋯ + [𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]

+ 𝑆𝑛 = + (𝑎𝑛 − 𝑑) + (𝑎𝑛 − 2𝑑) + (𝑎𝑛 − 3𝑑) + ⋯ + [𝑎𝑛 − (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]

2𝑆𝑛 = (𝑎1 + 𝑎𝑛) + (𝑎1 + 𝑎𝑛) + (𝑎1 + 𝑎𝑛) + (𝑎1 + 𝑎𝑛) + ⋯ + (𝑎1 + 𝑎𝑛)

Notice that all the terms containing d added out. So,

2𝑆𝑛 = (𝑎1 + 𝑎𝑛)

Divide both sides of the equation by two,

Substituting 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1) to 𝑎𝑛, will lead to the following formula:

Thus, the sum of the terms of an arithmetic sequence is

where: 𝑆𝑛 is the sum of the first n terms

𝑎1 is the first term
d is the common difference

WHAT IS IT
In getting the sum of the terms of an arithmetic sequence. We will be using
any of the following the formula:

1) Sn = 𝑛⁄2 (a1 +an) if the first and last term are given

2) Sn = 𝑛⁄2 [ 2a1 +(n-1)d] if the last term is not given 2

Example 1. Find the sum of the first 20 natural numbers.

 Given:
𝑎1 = 1 𝑎𝑛 = 20 𝑛 = 20 𝑆𝑛 = ?

Solution:
Since the last term is given, we used the following formula:

Substituting the given values in the formula:

𝑆20 = 10 ( 21 )
𝑆20 = 210

∴ The sum of the first 20 natural numbers is 210.

Example 2. Find the sum of the first 16 terms of the arithmetic sequence:
8, 11, 14, 17, 20, …
Given:
𝑎1 = 8 𝑛 = 16 𝑑=3 𝑆16 = ?

Solution:
The last term is not given, so we use the formula

Substitute the given values in the formula:

= 8 [ 16 + ( 15) 3 ]
= 8 ( 16 + 45 )
= 8 ( 61 )
𝑆16 = 488
∴ The sum of the first 16 terms of the series is 488.

Example 3. If the first n terms of the sequence: 9, 12, 15, 18, … are added,
how many terms give a sum of 126?

Given: 𝑎1 = 9 𝑆𝑛 = 126 𝑑=3 𝑛= ?

Solution:
The last term is not given so we use the following formula
 Substituting the given:

252 = 𝑛 [18 + 3𝑛 − 3]
252 = 𝑛 [3𝑛 + 15]
252 = 3𝑛2 + 15𝑛

0 = 𝑛2 + 5𝑛 − 84 by factoring
(𝑛 + 12)(𝑛 − 7) = 0
(𝑛 + 12) = 0 (𝑛 − 7) = 0
𝑛 = −12 𝑛=7
Since the domain of a sequence is the set of positive integers, we reject
𝑛 = −12. Hence, we only accept 𝑛 = 7.

∴ The number of terms that will add up to 126 is 7.

Example 4. Find the sum of the integers between 1 and 70 that are divisible
by 3.

Given: 𝑎1 = 3 𝑎𝑛 = 69 𝑑=3 𝑛 =? 𝑆𝑛 =?

Solution:
a) To solve for 𝑛, use the formula:
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)

Substitute the given values:

69 = 3 + (𝑛 − 1)3
69 = 3 + 3𝑛 − 3
69 = 3𝑛 𝑛
= 23
b) Since we already solved 𝑛, we can now solve for 𝑆𝑛.
 𝑆23 = 828

∴ The sum of the integers from 1 to 70 that are divisible by 3 is 828.

Example 5. The sum of the first 15 terms of an arithmetic sequence is 765. If

the first term is 23, what is the common difference?

Given: 𝑎1 = 23 𝑛 = 15 𝑆15 = 765 𝑑 =?

Solution:

1530 = 690 + 210𝑑

210𝑑 = 1530 − 690

210𝑑 = 840

𝑑=4

∴ The common difference is 4.

WHAT’S MORE

After knowing all the needed concept in finding the sum of an arithmetic
sequence. You are now ready to answer the following exercises:

A. Find the indicated partial sum of each arithmetic series.

1) The first 9 terms of 5 + 8 + 11 + ⋯
2) The first 30 terms of 1 + 3 + 5 + ⋯
3) The first 14 terms of 6 + 9 + 12 + ⋯
4) The first 25 terms of 5 + 8 + 11 + ⋯
5) The first 15 terms of −12 + (−6) + 0 + ⋯

B. Solve for the value of 𝑛.

1) 𝑆𝑛 = −80, 𝑎1 = 10, 𝑎𝑛 = −26, 𝑛=?

2) 𝑆𝑛 = 50, 𝑎1 = 4, 𝑎𝑛 = 16, 𝑛=?
3) 𝑆𝑛 = −15, 𝑎1 = 12, 𝑑 = −3, 𝑛=?
4) 𝑆𝑛 = 180, 𝑎1 = 5, 𝑑 = 5, 𝑛=?

C) Answer what is asked.

1) Find the sum of the first 13 terms of the sequence: −3, −1, 1, 3, …
2Find the sum of the integers from 8 and 35.
3) Find the sum of all even integers from 10 to 70.
4) Find the sum of the integers from 20 to 130 and are divisible by 5.
5) If the sum of the first 8 terms of an arithmetic sequence is 172 and
its common difference is 3, what is the first term?
6) If the sum of the first 9 terms of an arithmetic sequence is 216 and
its first term is 4, what is the common difference?

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

To find the sum of the terms of an arithmetic sequence, you can use the
following formulae:
A. If the first and last terms are given:
 where: 𝑆𝑛 is the sum of the first n terms
𝑎1 is the first term
𝑎𝑛 is the last term

B. If the last term is not given:

where: 𝑆𝑛 is the sum of the first n terms

𝑎1 is the first term
𝑑 is the common difference

WHAT I CAN DO

Read and understand the problems and answer what is asked.

1. Suppose a cinema has 42 rows of seats and there are 20 seats in the
first row. Each row after the first row has two more seats than the row
that it precedes. How many seats are in the cinema?

2. A 25-layer of logs is being piled to be used on a construction. The

uppermost layer is composed of 25 logs, the second upper layer contains
27 logs, and the third upper layer contains 29 logs, and so on. If the
pattern continues up to the lowest layer, what is the total number of
logs piled for construction?