Math Problem Statement

consider the geometric sequence with a first term of 4 and a fourth term of -2.916, find the sum to infinity of this sequence

Solution

To solve this problem, let's break it down step by step.

Step 1: Formula for the terms of a geometric sequence

The general formula for the nn-th term of a geometric sequence is given by:

an=a1rn1a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{n-1}

where:

  • ana_n is the nn-th term,
  • a1a_1 is the first term,
  • rr is the common ratio.

Step 2: Use known values to find the common ratio rr

From the problem, we know:

  • The first term a1=4a_1 = 4,
  • The fourth term a4=2.916a_4 = -2.916.

Using the formula for the nn-th term: a4=a1r41=a1r3a_4 = a_1 \cdot r^{4-1} = a_1 \cdot r^3 Substitute the values: 2.916=4r3-2.916 = 4 \cdot r^3 Solve for r3r^3: r3=2.9164=0.729r^3 = \frac{-2.916}{4} = -0.729

Now, take the cube root of both sides to find rr: r=0.7293=0.9r = \sqrt[3]{-0.729} = -0.9

Step 3: Find the sum to infinity

The formula for the sum to infinity of a geometric series is given by:

S=a11rS_\infty = \frac{a_1}{1 - r} This formula is valid when r<1|r| < 1, which is true here as r=0.9r = -0.9.

Substitute the values: S=41(0.9)=41+0.9=41.9S_\infty = \frac{4}{1 - (-0.9)} = \frac{4}{1 + 0.9} = \frac{4}{1.9} Now, calculate: S=2.105S_\infty = 2.105

Final Answer:

The sum to infinity of the given geometric sequence is approximately 2.105.

Would you like any details or clarifications?


Here are five related questions to explore further:

  1. What is the sum of the first 5 terms of this sequence?
  2. How does the common ratio affect the convergence of a geometric series?
  3. Can a geometric series with r>1r > 1 converge? Why or why not?
  4. What is the sum to infinity if the common ratio was 0.50.5 instead of 0.9-0.9?
  5. How do we find the sum of a finite geometric series?

Tip: The sum to infinity of a geometric series only converges if the absolute value of the common ratio is less than 1 (r<1|r| < 1).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Sequences
Series Convergence
Sum to Infinity

Formulas

n-th term of a geometric sequence: a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)
Sum to infinity: S_infinity = a_1 / (1 - r)

Theorems

Convergence of geometric series if |r| < 1

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12