Chapter 2: Problem 31
For the following exercises, use the formula given to solve for the required value. \(S u m=\frac{1}{1-r}\) is the formula for an infinite series sum. If the sum is \(5,\) find \(r\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( r = \frac{4}{5} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Formula
We are given the formula for the sum of an infinite geometric series: \( S = \frac{1}{1 - r} \). This formula will be used to find the value of \( r \) when the sum is provided.
02
Substitute the Given Value
The problem states that the sum \( S \) of the series is 5. Substitute \( S = 5 \) into the formula: \( 5 = \frac{1}{1 - r} \).
03
Isolate the Denominator
To isolate the denominator \( 1 - r \), take the reciprocal of both sides: \( 1 - r = \frac{1}{5} \).
04
Solve for r
Rearrange \( 1 - r = \frac{1}{5} \) to solve for \( r \). Subtract \( \frac{1}{5} \) from 1 to find \( r \): \( r = 1 - \frac{1}{5} \).
05
Simplify the Expression
Calculate \( 1 - \frac{1}{5} \): Convert 1 to \( \frac{5}{5} \) and subtract \( \frac{1}{5} \): \( \frac{5}{5} - \frac{1}{5} = \frac{4}{5} \). Thus, \( r = \frac{4}{5} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Geometric Series
A geometric series is a sum of terms in a sequence where each term is a constant multiple of the previous term. This constant multiple is known as the common ratio, denoted as \( r \). In a geometric series, the first term is often called \( a \), and the series takes the form \( a, ar, ar^2, ar^3, \ldots \). For example, in the series \( 2, 4, 8, 16, \ldots \), the common ratio \( r \) is 2 because each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by 2.
Below are some important characteristics of geometric series:
Below are some important characteristics of geometric series:
- Each term increases (or decreases) by the same multiplicative factor \( r \).
- The series is a type of exponential growth or decay, depending on whether \( r \) is greater or less than 1.
- Geometric series can be finite or infinite, depending on whether there are limited or unlimited terms.
Infinite Geometric Series
An infinite geometric series is a series where the terms continue indefinitely. When the common ratio \( r \) has an absolute value less than 1 (\(|r| < 1\)), the series has a finite sum, meaning it converges. The sum of an infinite geometric series can be calculated using the formula \( S = \frac{a}{1 - r} \), where \( a \) is the first term and \( r \) is the common ratio.
Key features of infinite geometric series include:
Key features of infinite geometric series include:
- Convergence occurs when \(|r| < 1\). In this case, the terms become smaller and smaller, getting close to zero, allowing the series to have a finite sum.
- Divergence happens when \(|r| \geq 1\). Here, the terms do not approach zero, so the series' sum grows indefinitely.
- The formula \( S = \frac{a}{1 - r} \) applies only when the series converges, making it necessary to first verify \(|r| < 1\) before using it.
Solving for r
When given the sum of an infinite geometric series and asked to find \( r \), we need to manipulate the formula \( S = \frac{1}{1 - r} \). This formula becomes \( S = \frac{a}{1 - r} \) if the first term \( a \) is not 1.
The steps to solve for \( r \) include:
The steps to solve for \( r \) include:
- Identify the given sum \( S \). If \( a = 1 \), then use \( S = \frac{1}{1 - r} \).
- Substitute the known sum into the equation.
- Rearrange the equation to solve for \( r \). This might involve taking reciprocals or rearranging terms.
- Simplify to find the exact value of \( r \).