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MathsMediumClass 11

Summation — Natural numbers, Σr², Σr³

Sequences & Series

14

JEE Qs

8%

Hard

60

min

Memorize the formulas for Σr, Σr², Σr³ and practice adapting them when the summation does not start from 1 or when the general term needs simplification.

🧮 Key Formulas

Σr (from r=1 to n) = n(n+1)/2
Σr² (from r=1 to n) = n(n+1)(2n+1)/6
Σr³ (from r=1 to n) = [n(n+1)/2]² = (Σr)²

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1The formulas for Σr, Σr², Σr³ are valid only when the summation starts from r=1 and consists of consecutive natural numbers up to 'n'.
  • 2If a summation starts from a number 'm' (where m > 1), express it as a difference: Σ(r=m to n) T_r = Σ(r=1 to n) T_r - Σ(r=1 to m-1) T_r.
  • 3For a general series, first identify the r-th term (T_r) of the series. If T_r is a polynomial in 'r', expand it and then apply the individual summation formulas term by term using the linearity of summation (Σ(A_r + B_r) = ΣA_r + ΣB_r).
  • 4Always simplify the resulting algebraic expression in 'n' to its most factorized form; this often helps in matching options or further calculations.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Applying the formulas directly when the series does not start from r=1 or is not consecutive, without adjusting the limits.
  • Making algebraic errors while expanding the r-th term or simplifying the final expression involving 'n'.
  • Incorrectly remembering or misapplying the specific formulas, especially confusing Σr² and Σr³.
  • Forgetting to expand a product in the r-th term (e.g., r(r+1)) before applying summation formulas.

NCERT Chapters

  • Class 11 Maths Ch 9: Sequences and Series