Stage 26 · Sequences

26.4.3 Shift-and-Subtract

26.4 Common Methods for Summing Sequences

Point 3 of 5

26.4.3 Shift-and-Subtract

Core idea

For an arithmetic times geometric sum, multiply the whole thing by q, slide it over one slot, and subtract to collapse it into a geometric series

Module goal. Beyond arithmetic and geometric cases, master the general tricks of grouping, splitting, pairing, and cancelling to make tricky sequences summable.
eastmath.com · 26.4 Common Methods for Summing Sequences · 26.4.3 Shift-and-Subtract