Thread:HMcCoy/@comment-4531415-20150518211336/@comment-24808864-20150519000444

Finding the sigma notation for a given sum can be viewed as a four-step process:

1) Try to write the first term (in multiple ways) using the number one

2) Try to write the second term, identical to one of the ways you used in step 1, but now using the number two

3) once successful, write the rule you have found with the dummy variable that your teacher prefers (I am an "n" man, but many teachers prefer "i")

4) the borrom number on the sigma will be "1" and the top number will be the number found by setting your general rule equal to the last term and solving for your dummy variable.