Symbols are the basic building blocks of mathematics. After you have studied mathematics at advanced level for a while you will come to appreciate that certain symbols tend to mean certain things. For example x and y are used to represent variables, whereas a and b are used to stand for constants. Greek symbols are commonly used too.

Learn about arithmetic sequences and series, sum of finite arithmetic series, geometric sequences and series, sum of finite and infinite geometric series, the binomial expansion and sigma notation. Find out how to apply these methods to compound interest and population growth.