Chapters

Sequences & Series

Class 11 Maths • Chapter 08 • Comprehensive Interactive Notes

1. Introduction

Sequence: An arrangement of numbers in a definite order according to some rule.

Series: If \( a_1, a_2, ..., a_n \) is a sequence, then the sum \( a_1 + a_2 + ... + a_n \) is called the series associated with it.

2. AP and GP Engine

Arithmetic Progression

Sequence where difference between terms is constant.

Type \( n^{th} \) Term (\( a_n \)) Sum (\( S_n \))
AP \( a + (n-1)d \) \( \frac{n}{2}[2a + (n-1)d] \)
GP \( ar^{n-1} \) \( \frac{a(r^n - 1)}{r - 1} \)

3. Arithmetic vs Geometric Mean

For two positive numbers \( a \) and \( b \):

AM-GM Verifier

Enter two positive numbers.

4. Sigma Summation Station

Sum of first \( n \) natural numbers and powers.

Series Sum Formula
\( \sum n = 1+2+...+n \) \( \frac{n(n+1)}{2} \)
\( \sum n^2 = 1^2+2^2+...+n^2 \) \( \frac{n(n+1)(2n+1)}{6} \)
\( \sum n^3 = 1^3+2^3+...+n^3 \) \( [\frac{n(n+1)}{2}]^2 \)

Quick Calculator

Calculate sums for specific n.

5. Infinite GP Visualizer

Consider the series: \( 1 + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{8} + ... \)

Common Ratio \( |r| < 1 \). Sum to infinity \( S_\infty=\frac{a}{1-r} \).

1 1/2 1/4 ...

The infinite bars will never exceed total length 2. (Sum = 2)

📌 CBSE Exam Question Patterns

CBSE Tip:
Most mistakes happen when students:
  • use wrong formula
  • confuse nᵗʰ term with sum
  • forget to check number of terms

🧠 Real-Life Word Problems (AP & GP)

Example 1 (AP):

The monthly salary of a worker increases by ₹500 every year. If his first salary is ₹15,000, find his salary after 10 years.

Example 2 (GP):

A ball rebounds to half its height every time. If initial height is 10 m, find total distance travelled.

Exam Insight: These questions test your ability to **identify a, d/r, n** correctly.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ✘ Using AP formula for GP problems
  • ✘ Confusing nᵗʰ term with sum of n terms
  • ✘ Forgetting that infinite GP exists only when |r| < 1
  • ✘ Applying AM ≥ GM for negative numbers
  • ✘ Missing number of terms in word problems

Concept Mastery Quiz

1. The 10th term of AP: 2, 7, 12... is:


2. If AM = 10 and GM = 8, the numbers are:


3. Sum of infinite GP exists only when:


4. Sum of first n natural numbers is:


5. Which sequence has a constant ratio?

📝 One-Page Revision Checklist

  • ✔ Definition of sequence & series clear
  • ✔ AP: a, d, nᵗʰ term, sum formulas revised
  • ✔ GP: a, r, nᵗʰ term, sum formulas revised
  • ✔ AM–GM relation understood
  • ✔ Special series formulas memorised
  • ✔ Condition for infinite GP remembered

Self-Check:

  • ❓ Find 20ᵗʰ term of AP: 3, 7, 11…
  • ❓ Sum of first 10 terms of GP: 2, 4, 8…
  • ❓ Find AM & GM of 16 and 4