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A. Infinite Geometric Series
Before learning the infinite geometric series formula, let us recall what is a geometric series.
A geometric series is the sum of a sequence where in every successive term contains a constant
ratio to its preceding term.
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 :
𝒂𝟏 + 𝒂𝟏 𝒓 + 𝒂𝟏 𝒓𝟐 + 𝒂𝟏 𝒓𝟑 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝟏 𝒓𝒏)𝟏
where;
𝑎+ : is the first term
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 −1to 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,
Where,
• a = first term of the series
• r = common ratio between two consecutive terms and −1 < r < 1
The following table shows several geometric series with different common ratios:
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Common Ratio of Infinite Geometric Series
You know how to find the common ratio for a geometric sequence or series, but other than
writing down a formula, what is it good for?
• The common ratio 𝑟 is used to find the next term in a sequence and can have an effect
on how the terms increase or decrease.
• If −1< 𝑟 <1, the sum of the series can be calculated as an actual number. In this case
the series is called convergent.
• If 𝑟 >1 or 𝑟 <−1, the sum of the series won't be a real number. In this case the series is
called divergent
The geometric series converges to a sum only if r < 1.
If r > 1, the series does not converge and doesn't have a sum.
For example 8, 12, 18, 27, .... is the given geometric series.
To find the sum : 8 + 12 + 18 + 27 + ..... ,
we find that a = 8 and r = 12/8 = 18/ 12 = 3/2
Here r > 1.
Thus the sum does not converge and the series has no sum
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1. Find the sum of the terms 1/9 + 1/27 + 1/81 + ... to ∞?
Solution: To find: Sum of the geometric series
Given:
a = 1/9, r = 1/3
Using the infinite geometric series formula,
Sn = a /(1-r)
Sn = (1/9)( 1 - 1/3)
Sn = 1/6
Answer: The sum of the given terms is 1/6
2. Calculate the sum of series 1/5, 1/10, 1/20, .... if the series contains infinite terms.
Solution: To find: Sum of the geometric series
Given:
a = 1/5, r = 1/5
Using the infinite geometric series formula,
Sum = a /(1-r)
= (1/5)( 1 - 1/5)
= 1/4
Answer: The sum of the given terms is 1/4
3. Find the sum of the geometric series 125, 25, 5, 1......∞
Solution: The series is,125+25+5+1+ ........ a =125, and = 25/125 = 1/5
Using the infinite geometric series formula,
Sum = a /(1-r)
= 125/(1-1/5)
= 125/(4/5)
= 625/4
Answer: Thus sum to infinity in the given series 125+25+5+1+ ........ = 625/4
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Name: …………………………….
Meeting : 6
Day/Date : Tuesday, Nopember 13, 2023
Topic : Sequences & Series
Learning Target : Determine how to solve the problems infinite geometric series
Answer the question below !
1. If possible, find the sum of the infinite geometric series that corresponds to the
sequence 32,16,8,4,2,….
2. If possible, find the sum of the infinite geometric series that corresponds to the
sequence 3,6,12,24,48,….
4
3. If possible, find the sum of the infinite geometric series, ∑𝒏5𝟎 𝟏𝟎(𝟎. 𝟐)𝒏
4. S
5. Find the sum of the infinite geometric series, if possible:
_Good Luck_
