Math Problem Statement

What is the next term in the geometric sequence 9, 3, 1, 1/3, ...? Also, calculate the sum of the first six terms (S6).

Solution

The sequence in the image shows the following numbers: 9,3,1,13,9, 3, 1, \frac{1}{3}, \dots. We are tasked with finding the next term in the sequence as well as S6S_6, which seems to indicate the sum of the first six terms.

Step 1: Recognizing the Pattern

The given sequence appears to be geometric because the ratio between consecutive terms is constant.

Let's verify:

  • From 99 to 33: 39=13\frac{3}{9} = \frac{1}{3}
  • From 33 to 11: 13=13\frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{3}
  • From 11 to 13\frac{1}{3}: 131=13\frac{\frac{1}{3}}{1} = \frac{1}{3}

Thus, the common ratio r=13r = \frac{1}{3}.

Step 2: Finding the Next Term

To find the next term a5a_5:

a5=13×13=19a_5 = \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{9}

Step 3: Finding S6S_6

The sum S6S_6 of the first six terms in a geometric series can be calculated using the formula for the sum of the first nn terms:

Sn=a11rn1rS_n = a_1 \frac{1 - r^n}{1 - r}

Here, a1=9a_1 = 9, r=13r = \frac{1}{3}, and n=6n = 6:

S6=9×1(13)6113S_6 = 9 \times \frac{1 - \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^6}{1 - \frac{1}{3}}

Let's calculate S6S_6.The sum of the first six terms of the geometric series S6S_6 is approximately 13.4813.48.

Summary:

  1. The next term in the sequence a5a_5 is 19\frac{1}{9}.
  2. The sum of the first six terms S6S_6 is approximately 13.4813.48.

Do you want further clarification or more details?

Here are five related questions to expand on this topic:

  1. How do you calculate the sum of an infinite geometric series?
  2. What conditions make a geometric series converge?
  3. How would the sum SnS_n change if the common ratio rr were negative?
  4. How can you apply the geometric series formula in financial problems?
  5. What are the applications of geometric sequences in nature?

Tip: In geometric sequences, the ratio between terms is always constant. This makes them easy to identify and work with when solving problems.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Sequences
Series and Sums

Formulas

Sum of a geometric series: Sn = a1(1 - r^n) / (1 - r)
General term of a geometric series: an = a1 * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Series Sum Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11