Series using Geometric series argument

In summary, if the absolute value of r is less than 1, the geometric series converges to a/(1-r). If the absolute value of r is greater than or equal to 1, the series diverges. To evaluate a series using the geometric series argument, we can rewrite it as a geometric series with common ratio r and then use the formula for the sum of a geometric series. In the conversation, we see an example of this method being used to evaluate the series 8/5 + 8/5^2 + 8/5^3 + ..., which is found to converge to 8/5.
  • #1
karush
Gold Member
MHB
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$\displaystyle\text{if} \left| r \right|< 1 \text{ the geometric series }
a+ar+ar^2+\cdots ar^{n-1}+\cdots \text{converges} $
$\displaystyle\text{to} \frac{a}{(1-r)}.$
$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}ar^{n-1}=\frac{a}{(1-r)}, \ \ \left| r \right|< 1$$
$\text{if} \left| r \right|\ge 1 \text{, the series diverges}$

$\text{Evaluate using geometric series argument}$
\begin{align*}
\displaystyle
S&=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}\left[\frac{8}{5^k}-\frac{8}{5^{k+1}}\right] \\
\left[\frac{8}{5^k}-\frac{8}{5^{k+1}}\right]&=\frac{32}{5\cdot5^k} \\
&=
\end{align*}

$\text{ok wasn't sure how to plug this in?}$

$\tiny{206.10.3.75}$
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
I would write:

\(\displaystyle \frac{32}{5\cdot5^k}=\frac{32}{25}\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^{k-1}\)

Now you're ready to plug and play. :D
 
  • #3
$\displaystyle\text{if} \left| r \right|< 1 \text{ the geometric series }
a+ar+ar^2+\cdots ar^{n-1}+\cdots \text{converges} $
$\displaystyle\text{to} \frac{a}{(1-r)}.$
$$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}ar^{n-1}=\frac{a}{(1-r)}, \ \ \left| r \right|< 1$$
$\text{if} \left| r \right|\ge 1 \text{, the series diverges}$

$\text{Evaluate using geometric series argument}$
\begin{align*}
\displaystyle
S&=\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}\left[\frac{8}{5^k}-\frac{8}{5^{k+1}}\right] \\
\left[\frac{8}{5^k}-\frac{8}{5^{k+1}}\right]&=\frac{32}{5\cdot5^k} =\frac{32}{25}\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^{k-1 }\\
\text{so then } a&=\frac{32}{25}; r=\frac{1}{5} \\
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{32}{25}
\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^{n-1}
&=\frac{\frac{32}{25}}{(1-\frac{1}{5})}=\frac{8}{5}
\end{align*}
$\tiny{206.10.3.75}$
☕
 

Related to Series using Geometric series argument

1. What is a geometric series?

A geometric series is a series of numbers where each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a fixed number, called the common ratio. The general form of a geometric series is a + ar + ar^2 + ar^3 + ..., where a is the first term and r is the common ratio.

2. How do you find the sum of a geometric series?

The sum of a geometric series can be calculated using the formula S = a/(1-r), where S is the sum, a is the first term, and r is the common ratio. However, this formula only works if the absolute value of the common ratio is less than 1.

3. How is the geometric series argument used in science?

The geometric series argument is commonly used in science to analyze and model natural phenomena that exhibit exponential growth or decay. Examples include population growth, radioactive decay, and compound interest calculations.

4. What is the difference between a finite and infinite geometric series?

A finite geometric series has a fixed number of terms, while an infinite geometric series continues infinitely. The sum of a finite geometric series can be calculated using the formula mentioned in question 2, while the sum of an infinite geometric series only exists if the absolute value of the common ratio is less than 1.

5. Can the geometric series argument be used for non-numerical data?

Yes, the geometric series argument can be applied to non-numerical data, such as probabilities or frequencies. In these cases, the common ratio represents the likelihood or occurrence of an event, and the sum of the series represents the total probability or frequency.

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