Finite Geometric Series

Remember:
The formula for the sum of the first n terms in a
geometric sequence is
or

Illustrative Examples:
1. Find the sum of the geometric series
40+(-20)+10+(-5)+5/2+(-5/4)

2. What is the sum of the first five terms of

3,6,12,24,48,96,…?

3. Find the sum of the first 8 terms of the geometric

sequence 2,8,32,128,…
In particular, if r = -1, the sum simplifies to

Examples:

A. What is the sum of the first 10 terms of 2-2+2-2+…?

B. What is the sum of the first 11 terms of 2-2+2-2+…?

Infinite Geometric Series
 .
Remember:
The sum S of the terms of an infinite geometric sequence
is

where , is the first term and r is the common ratio, and

Illustrative Examples

A. Find the sum of

B. What is the sum to infinity of

C. Find the sum of

D. What is the sum to infinity of