The sum of a series of numbers can be derived using the formula for the sum of an arithmetic series or the sum of a geometric series.
1. Sum of an arithmetic series: The sum of an arithmetic series can be found using the formula: S = (n/2)(a + l) where S is the sum of the series, n is the number of terms, a is the first term, and l is the last term.
2. Sum of a geometric series: The sum of a geometric series can be found using the formula: S = a(1 - r^n) / (1 - r) where S is the sum of the series, a is the first term, r is the common ratio, and n is the number of terms.
These formulas can be derived using mathematical induction or other methods, but they are widely accepted and used to find the sum of series in mathematics.