Education Technology


Applications of Finite and Infinite Series

Activity Overview

This activity shows students the power of finite and infinite series. It can be used as an introduction to infinite series provided that the student is adept at using the sigma notation to denote such series.

Before the Activity

No prior knowledge of how to evaluate the series is necessary since the student will be shown, in great detail, how to do this using a graphing calculator.
See the attached Activity PDF file(s) for detailed instructions for this activity.

During the Activity

Follow the procedures outlined in the Activity.
Students will:

  • Be able to evaluate infinite and finite series using the graphing calculator.

  • After the Activity

  • Review student answers:
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary