The sum of an arithmetic sequence can be found using the formula:
Sn = (n/2) * (a + l)
Where:
- Sn = Sum of the first
n
terms - n = Number of terms
- a = First term
- l = Last term
In this case, we have the following:
- a = 3 (the first term)
- l = 15 (the last term)
- n = 26 (the number of terms)
Plugging in these values, we will first find the sum:
S26 = (26/2) * (3 + 15)
Calculating inside the parentheses:
3 + 15 = 18
Now we substitute that back into the equation:
S26 = 13 * 18
Now calculating that:
S26 = 234
Therefore, the sum of the arithmetic sequence is 234.