General formula for finding the sum of sequences and series?

[JLol]

I know that there are particular formulas for finding the geometric/arithmetic/ and recursive sequences or series with \Sigma. But is there a general formula for finding the sum for all three types? For example, what if I was asked to find a sum of a particular finite sequence but I don't know whether or not it's geometric, arithmetic, or recursive? Help would be appreciated.

[Dick]

No, there's no general formula. It completely depends on the type of series. If you are having problems with some specific series then you can post it and somebody can give you a hand with identifying the type or some other special trick. But there's no magic bullet.