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 -th term of a geometric sequence is given by:
where:
- is the -th term,
- is the first term,
- is the common ratio.
Step 2: Use known values to find the common ratio
From the problem, we know:
- The first term ,
- The fourth term .
Using the formula for the -th term: Substitute the values: Solve for :
Now, take the cube root of both sides to find :
Step 3: Find the sum to infinity
The formula for the sum to infinity of a geometric series is given by:
This formula is valid when , which is true here as .
Substitute the values: Now, calculate:
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:
- What is the sum of the first 5 terms of this sequence?
- How does the common ratio affect the convergence of a geometric series?
- Can a geometric series with converge? Why or why not?
- What is the sum to infinity if the common ratio was instead of ?
- 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 ().
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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