Math Problem Statement

What is the sum of the infinite series: 1/x + 1/x^2 + 1/x^3 + ...?

Solution

The image you uploaded appears to contain a mathematical series:

1x+1x2+1x3+\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x^2} + \frac{1}{x^3} + \dots

This is an infinite geometric series of the form:

S=1x+1x2+1x3+S = \frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x^2} + \frac{1}{x^3} + \dots

To find the sum of this series, we recognize that it has the first term a=1xa = \frac{1}{x} and the common ratio r=1xr = \frac{1}{x}, assuming r<1|r| < 1, i.e., x>1|x| > 1.

The sum of an infinite geometric series is given by the formula:

S=a1rS = \frac{a}{1 - r}

Substituting a=1xa = \frac{1}{x} and r=1xr = \frac{1}{x}, we get:

S=1x11x=1xx1x=1x1S = \frac{\frac{1}{x}}{1 - \frac{1}{x}} = \frac{\frac{1}{x}}{\frac{x-1}{x}} = \frac{1}{x-1}

Thus, the sum of the series is:

S=1x1forx>1S = \frac{1}{x - 1} \quad \text{for} \quad |x| > 1

Would you like more details on geometric series, or any other questions about this result?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How can you derive the sum formula for an infinite geometric series?
  2. What happens if x1|x| \leq 1 in this series?
  3. Can this series be applied in real-world problems, such as finance or physics?
  4. How do we generalize geometric series for complex numbers?
  5. What is the importance of convergence in infinite series?

Tip: Always check the conditions for convergence before summing an infinite series to ensure that the sum formula is applicable.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Series
Infinite Series

Formulas

Sum of an infinite geometric series: S = a / (1 - r)
First term: a = 1/x
Common ratio: r = 1/x

Theorems

Geometric Series Sum Formula
Convergence of Infinite Series

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or College