Is a Progression a Series or a Sequence?

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SUMMARY

A progression is defined as both a sequence and a series in mathematical contexts. A sequence refers to an ordered set of terms, denoted as {t_i}, while a series represents the sum of these terms, expressed as \sum t_i. According to Mathworld, a 'progression' is synonymous with 'sequence', and it is established that a series is a specific type of sequence. Therefore, any progression can be classified as a sequence, encompassing various types such as arithmetic and geometric progressions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mathematical terminology, specifically 'sequence' and 'series'
  • Familiarity with arithmetic and geometric progressions
  • Basic knowledge of summation notation, \sum
  • Ability to differentiate between ordered sets and their sums
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of arithmetic progressions and their formulas
  • Explore geometric progressions and their applications in mathematics
  • Learn about the convergence of series in calculus
  • Study the differences between finite and infinite series
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Students of mathematics, educators teaching sequences and series, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of mathematical progressions.

Cheman
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Sequences and series...

My textbook says that a progression is another name for a series, but the dictionary says it is another name for a sequence - which is it?
 
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progression:
3. A continuous series; a sequence.
-The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language

I think it is both.
 
A sequence is an ordered set of terms, {t_i}
A series is a sum of terms, \sum t_i

Mathworld defines a 'progression' as synonymous with 'sequence'.

PS : An English dictionary does not necessarily know the mathematical difference between a sequence and a series.
 
Last edited:
A series is a special kind of sequence.

if your sequence is x1, x2, x3, x4, x5...

then the series it produces is x1, x1+x2, x1+x2+x3, x1+x2+x3+x4, ...

which we can re-label as y1, y2, y3, y4, ...

and this is a new sequence.

so if a progression is a series, then it is automatically a type of sequence.

Also, there are arithmetic progressions, geometric progressions, and others. My idea of progression is any sequence, including the special sequence called a series.
Aaron
 

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