Chapter 2 – Sequences and Recursion

This chapter develops the notation used in defining sequences. The emphasis is on recursive definitions and the patterns that follow. The connection between multiplication and repeated addition results in an explicit formula for arithmetic sequences. Likewise, the connection between exponents and repeated multiplication leads to an explicit formula for geometric sequences. The connections between the recursive and explicit definitions is emphasized and the focus is primarily on the recursive nature of these sequences. The mathematics presented gives students a conceptual understanding of the recursive capacity involved in programming a spreadsheet.