Math Problem Statement

Make a word problem of sum of the geometric sequence

Solution

Here's a word problem involving the sum of a geometric sequence:


Problem:
A farmer is planting trees in a row, starting with 3 trees in the first row. Each subsequent row has twice as many trees as the previous row. If the farmer plants 6 rows of trees, how many trees are there in total?


Explanation:
The number of trees in each row forms a geometric sequence where:

  • The first term a=3a = 3 (the number of trees in the first row).
  • The common ratio r=2r = 2 (since each row has twice as many trees as the previous one).
  • The total number of rows n=6n = 6.

To find the total number of trees, we need the sum of the first 6 terms of the geometric sequence.


Would you like me to provide the detailed steps to solve this?
Here are 5 questions related to this concept:

  1. How do you find the sum of a geometric sequence?
  2. What happens if the common ratio of a geometric sequence is less than 1?
  3. Can you have a geometric sequence with a negative common ratio?
  4. How is the geometric sequence used in finance or economics?
  5. What would happen if the common ratio were 3 instead of 2 in this problem?

Tip: When working with geometric sequences, always ensure that the common ratio rr is consistent between terms.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Sequences
Summation

Formulas

Sum of geometric sequence formula: S_n = a(1 - r^n) / (1 - r), for r ≠ 1
General term of geometric sequence: a_n = a * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Series Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10