What is the difference between a sequence and a series in math?

1 Answer
Nov 15, 2015

See explanation

Explanation:

A sequence is a function f:NN->RR.
A series is a sequence of sums of terms of a sequence.

For example

a_n=1/n is a sequence, its terms are: 1/2;1/3;1/4;...

This sequence is convergent because lim_{n->+oo}(1/n)=0.

Corresponding series would be:

b_n=Sigma_{i=1}^{n}(1/n)

We can calculate that:

b_1=1/2

b_2=1/2+1/3=5/6

b_3=1/2+1/3+1/4=13/12

The series is divergent.