What is the Difference Between Series and Sequence?

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The main difference between a sequence and a series lies in how the elements are organized and their purpose. Here are the key differences:

  • Sequence: A sequence is an arrangement of numbers or objects in a particular order, following a specific pattern or rules. The order of elements in a sequence is important, and each element has a specific position denoted by a number. Examples of sequences include arithmetic sequences, geometric sequences, harmonic sequences, and Fibonacci numbers.
  • Series: A series is the sum of the elements of a sequence. The order of elements in a series is not important, and the focus is on the addition of the elements. A series can be finite or infinite, depending on whether the sequence is finite or infinite. Examples of series include geometric series and Fourier series.

In summary, a sequence is a list of elements arranged in a specific order, while a series is the sum of the elements in a sequence. The order of elements is crucial in a sequence, but it is not important in a series.

Comparative Table: Series vs Sequence

Here is a table highlighting the differences between a series and a sequence:

Feature Sequence Series
Definition A sequence is a group or sequential arrangement of numbers in a particular order or set of rules. A series is formed by adding the terms of a sequence.
Types Sequences can be infinite or finite. Series are derived from sequences and can be arithmetic or geometric.
Terms In a sequence, an individual term can be present in many places. In a series, the sum of the terms of the sequence is calculated.
Examples 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, … is a sequence with a common difference of 2 between any two terms. The series formed by adding the terms of the sequence above is 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + ….

In summary, a sequence is an arrangement of numbers in a particular order or following a set of rules, while a series is the sum of the terms of a sequence. Sequences can be infinite or finite, and series can be arithmetic or geometric, depending on the sequence used to form them.