Arithmetic and geometric series worksheet for Algebra 1
Series are usually an Algebra 2 topic, but an arithmetic series needs only Algebra 1 tools: the first and last terms average to the same value as every other matched pair, so the sum is that average times the number of terms. A geometric sum uses S = a₁(1 - rⁿ)/(1 - r), and a short one can be checked by adding the terms.
Also taught in Algebra 2 and Precalculus, each at its own level and with its own examples.
Not quite the one you need? Same words, different skill:
- Arithmetic Sequences (Algebra 2). Adding the same amount each time.
- Sequences (Algebra 1). A term, which term, or a formula for the nth term.
- Arithmetic Series (Algebra 2). Adding up a sequence with a constant step.
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Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep
Sigma Prep · sigmaprep.io/worksheets Name Series Date Period Find each sum.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep |
Sigma Prep · sigmaprep.io/worksheets Name SeriesAnswer keyVersion 2 Date Period Find each sum.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep |
How to do these
Find the sum of the first 10 terms:
- The 10th term is 2 + 9 × 3 = 29.
- Average of the first and last terms: (2 + 29)/2 = 15.5.
- Multiply by the 10 terms: 15.5 × 10.
The answer is .
Where students go wrong
Using n times the difference for the last term. The 10th term of 2, 5, 8, ... is 2 + 9 × 3 = 29, not 2 + 10 × 3 = 32, because the first term already counts as one.
Also called summing a sequence.
What you can put on this worksheet
- The sum of an arithmetic series
- Find the sum of the first 7 terms: →
- The sum of a geometric series
- Find the sum of the first 4 terms: →
- Given the last term
- Find the sum: →
- In sigma notation, or to a last term
- Find the sum: →