Chapter 11: Problem 43
Find \(S_{n}\) for each geometric series described. $$ a_{3}=-36, a_{6}=-972, n=10 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sum of the first 10 terms is -118096.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the common ratio (r)
The formula for the nth term of a geometric sequence is given by \(a_n = a_1 imes r^{n-1}\). We know \(a_3 = -36\) and \(a_6 = -972\). Let’s express both terms in terms of \(a_1\) and \(r\):\[-36 = a_1 imes r^2\] and \[-972 = a_1 imes r^5.\] By dividing the second equation by the first, we can solve for \(r\):\[\frac{-972}{-36} = \frac{a_1 imes r^5}{a_1 imes r^2} \27 = r^3 \] Taking the cube root from both sides, \[r = 3.\]
02
Find the first term (a_1)
Now that we have the common ratio, substitute \(r = 3\) back into either equation to find \(a_1\). Using \(-36 = a_1 imes 3^2\):\[a_1 imes 9 = -36\a_1 = \frac{-36}{9} = -4.\]
03
Calculate the sum of the first n terms
The formula for the sum of a geometric series is \[ S_{n} = a_1 \times \frac{1-r^n}{1-r} \] where \(a_1 = -4\), \(r=3\), and \(n=10\). Substitute these values into the formula:\[S_{10} = -4 \times \frac{1-3^{10}}{1-3}. \] Calculate \(3^{10} = 59049\):\[S_{10} = -4 \times \frac{1-59049}{-2} \S_{10} = -4 \times 29524 \S_{10} = -118096.\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Ratio
A geometric series is identified by its constant factor between consecutive terms, known as the common ratio. In a geometric sequence, each term after the first is obtained by multiplying the previous one by this fixed value, often denoted as \( r \). To find \( r \), you can utilize the formula for two known terms: \[ a_3 = a_1 \times r^2 \] and \[ a_6 = a_1 \times r^5. \]
Divide these equations to eliminate \( a_1 \) and solve for \( r \): \[ \frac{-972}{-36} = r^3 \] and therefore, \( r = 3 \). Remember:
Divide these equations to eliminate \( a_1 \) and solve for \( r \): \[ \frac{-972}{-36} = r^3 \] and therefore, \( r = 3 \). Remember:
- \( r=1 \) leads to a constant series.
- Greater values of \( r \) can result in rapidly increasing or decreasing sequences.
Nth Term
The nth term formula in a geometric sequence tells us the value at a particular position. It is represented as \( a_n = a_1 \times r^{n-1} \). This formula helps compute any specific term if the first term and the common ratio are known.
For example, if \( a_1 = -4 \) and \( r = 3 \), the formula can find any term, like the sixth term \( a_6 \). By substituting into the formula: \[ a_6 = -4 \times 3^{5} = -972. \] Note that:
For example, if \( a_1 = -4 \) and \( r = 3 \), the formula can find any term, like the sixth term \( a_6 \). By substituting into the formula: \[ a_6 = -4 \times 3^{5} = -972. \] Note that:
- The term \( a_1 \) is the initial value of the sequence.
- The exponent \( n-1 \) in \( r^{n-1} \) indicates how many times the ratio is applied.
Series Sum
The sum of the terms in a geometric series can be essential in scenarios like calculating interest over years or understanding growth patterns. To find the sum of the first \( n \) terms, use the formula:
\[ S_n = a_1 \times \frac{1-r^n}{1-r}. \]
In this problem, where \( a_1 = -4 \), \( r = 3 \), and \( n = 10 \):
\[ S_n = a_1 \times \frac{1-r^n}{1-r}. \]
In this problem, where \( a_1 = -4 \), \( r = 3 \), and \( n = 10 \):
- Compute \( r^n \), which is \( 3^{10} = 59049. \)
- Substitute into the formula:
\[ S_{10} = -4 \times \frac{1-59049}{1-3} = -4 \times 29524 = -118096. \]
First Term
The first term of a geometric series, denoted as \( a_1 \), serves as the starting point for the entire sequence. It gets transformed by the common ratio \( r \) to yield subsequent terms.
To find \( a_1 \), you can rearrange the nth term formula. With \( a_3 = -36 \) and \( r = 3 \), the expression becomes:
\[ -36 = a_1 \times 9 \] so \[ a_1 = \frac{-36}{9} = -4. \] This parameter is crucial because:
To find \( a_1 \), you can rearrange the nth term formula. With \( a_3 = -36 \) and \( r = 3 \), the expression becomes:
\[ -36 = a_1 \times 9 \] so \[ a_1 = \frac{-36}{9} = -4. \] This parameter is crucial because:
- It directly influences the position and behavior of the sequence.
- Changes in \( a_1 \) will alter the entire series' trajectory and values.