Understanding Sigma Notation Through Pictures & Words
We've all probably seen it before. That crazy looking E surrounded by those numbers and letters. Well, I've assembled some pictures that I've found online to try to help explain what the sigma notation actually means
The Sigma notation is basically doing a complex form of addition of numbers that have repeating patterns that you couldn't write out simply. It is easier (and shorter) to write it the way below than to actually write out the full thing. Especially if the number on top is more than 50 (the top number will be explained).
The bottom number is the first number that will be constantly changing at an interval of 1. the top number is the last number in the sequence. Note: The top and bottom numbers have to be integers and the bottom number has to be of a lower value than the first. The stuff at the front of the crazy E is how each added part should be set up with n being the number that changes at an interval. The rest of the numbers like the 2 are going to be in every part of the added parts. The only thing that is changing is the n.
Here are some more images for you to wrap your head around.