Math Problem Statement

75 + 300 + 1200 + ..... + 4915200 How many terms are in the geometric series?

Solution

The series given is a geometric progression: 75+300+1200++491520075 + 300 + 1200 + \dots + 4915200

In a geometric progression, each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a constant ratio rr. To identify how many terms are in the series, we need to:

Step 1: Identify the first term and the common ratio

  • The first term a1a_1 is 7575.
  • To find the common ratio rr, divide the second term by the first term: r=30075=4r = \frac{300}{75} = 4 Thus, the common ratio is r=4r = 4.

Step 2: General term of the geometric series

The nn-th term of a geometric series is given by the formula: an=a1rn1a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{n-1} Where:

  • a1=75a_1 = 75 (the first term),
  • r=4r = 4 (the common ratio).

We are given that the last term of the series is an=4915200a_n = 4915200. Now, we can set up the equation to find nn: 4915200=754n14915200 = 75 \cdot 4^{n-1}

Step 3: Solve for nn

Divide both sides by 75: 491520075=4n1\frac{4915200}{75} = 4^{n-1} 65536=4n165536 = 4^{n-1} Now, express 6553665536 as a power of 4: 65536=4865536 = 4^8 Thus, we have: 4n1=484^{n-1} = 4^8 Equating the exponents: n1=8    n=9n - 1 = 8 \implies n = 9

Final Answer:

There are 9\boxed{9} terms in the geometric series.


Do you have any questions or would you like more details?
Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. How do you derive the sum of the first nn terms of a geometric series?
  2. What is the sum of this particular geometric series?
  3. How do geometric progressions apply in compound interest problems?
  4. How would the number of terms change if the last term were 98304009830400?
  5. Can you explain how geometric sequences differ from arithmetic sequences?

Tip: In any geometric progression, the common ratio helps in quickly identifying the growth pattern and can be useful in real-world scenarios like population growth and investments!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Progression
Series
Exponents

Formulas

General term of a geometric series: a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)
Equation for common ratio: r = a_2 / a_1

Theorems

Geometric Series Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10