Math Problem Statement

find the sum of 15/(-2)^n

Solution

The given series is S=n=115(2)nS = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{15}{(-2)^n}.

We can recognize this as an infinite geometric series of the form:

S=a+ar+ar2+ar3+S = a + ar + ar^2 + ar^3 + \dots

Where:

  • aa is the first term of the series.
  • rr is the common ratio.

Here, the first term a=15(2)1=152a = \frac{15}{(-2)^1} = -\frac{15}{2}, and the common ratio r=12=12r = \frac{1}{-2} = -\frac{1}{2}.

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

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

Substitute a=152a = -\frac{15}{2} and r=12r = -\frac{1}{2} into the formula:

S=1521(12)=1521+12=15232S = \frac{-\frac{15}{2}}{1 - \left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)} = \frac{-\frac{15}{2}}{1 + \frac{1}{2}} = \frac{-\frac{15}{2}}{\frac{3}{2}}

Now, simplify:

S=15232=152×23=153=5S = \frac{-\frac{15}{2}}{\frac{3}{2}} = -\frac{15}{2} \times \frac{2}{3} = -\frac{15}{3} = -5

Thus, the sum of the series is 5\boxed{-5}.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How is the common ratio determined in a geometric series?
  2. What is the condition for the sum of an infinite geometric series to exist?
  3. Can you apply the geometric series sum formula to finite series?
  4. What happens if the common ratio rr is not between -1 and 1?
  5. How does a geometric series differ from an arithmetic series?

Tip:

For an infinite geometric series to have a sum, the absolute value of the common ratio rr must be less than 1.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Series
Infinite Series
Convergence of Series

Formulas

Sum of an infinite geometric series: S = a / (1 - r)

Theorems

Geometric Series Sum Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12