Infinite Geometric Series

An infinite geometric series is the sum of an infinite geometric sequence . This series
would have no last term. The general form of the infinite geometric series
is a 1 + a 1 r + a 1 r 2 +a 1 r 3 + ... , where a 1 is the first term and r is the common
ratio.

We can find the sum of all finite geometric series. But in the case of an infinite
geometric series when the common ratio is greater than one, the terms in the sequence
will get larger and larger and if you add the larger numbers, you won't get a final
answer. The only possible answer would be infinity. So, we don't deal with the common
ratio greater than one for an infinite geometric series.

If the common ratio r lies between − 1 to 1 , we can have the sum of an infinite
geometric series. That is, the sum exits for |   r   | < 1 .

The sum S of an infinite geometric series with −1 < r < 1 is given by the formula,

S=a11−r

An infinite series that has a sum is called a convergent series and the sum S n is called
the partial sum of the series.

You can use sigma notation to represent an infinite series.

For example, ∑ n = 1 ∞ 10 ( 1 2 ) n − 1 is an infinite series. The infinity symbol that

placed above the sigma notation indicates that the series is infinite.

To find the sum of the above infinite geometric series, first check if the sum exists by
using the value of r .

Here the value of r is 1 2 . Since | 1 2 | < 1 , the sum exits.

Now use the formula for the sum of an infinite geometric series.

S=a11−r

Substitute 10 for a 1 and 1 2 for r .

S = 10 1 − 1 2

Simplify.

S = 10 ( 1 2 )           = 20
Examples

1. Find the sum of the series 16+8+4+2+...

Solution :

In the series, a1=16 and r=8/16=1/2. Thus, S=16/1-1/2=16/1/2=32.

2. Express 0.121212... cas a fraction in lowest term.

Solution :

The expression 0.121212... can be written as an infinite series. 0.121212...=0.12+0.0012+0.000012+...

where a1=0.12 and r=0.0012/0.12=0.01. Hence, 0.121212... =0.12/1-0.01=0.12/0.99=12/99=4/33.

Solaiman