Chapter 9: Problem 1
Find a formula for the \(n\) th partial sum of each series and use it to find the series' sum if the series converges. $$2+\frac{2}{3}+\frac{2}{9}+\frac{2}{27}+\dots+\frac{2}{3^{n-1}}+\dots$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The series converges, and the sum is 3.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the type of series
The given series is \(2 + \frac{2}{3} + \frac{2}{9} + \frac{2}{27} + \dots\). We can observe that each term is formed by multiplying the previous term by \(\frac{1}{3}\). Therefore, this is a geometric series with the first term \(a = 2\) and a common ratio \(r = \frac{1}{3}\).
02
Write the formula for the partial sum of a geometric series
For a geometric series with first term \(a\) and common ratio \(r\), the formula for the sum of the first \(n\) terms is given by:\[S_n = a \frac{1 - r^n}{1 - r}\]Substituting the given values: \(a = 2\) and \(r = \frac{1}{3}\), the formula becomes:\[S_n = 2 \frac{1 - (\frac{1}{3})^n}{1 - \frac{1}{3}}\]
03
Simplify the formula for the partial sum
Simplify the denominator: \(1 - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{2}{3}\). Thus, the partial sum becomes:\[S_n = 2 \times \frac{1 - (\frac{1}{3})^n}{\frac{2}{3}} = 3 \left(1 - \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^n\right)\]
04
Determine the series' sum as \(n\) approaches infinity
A geometric series converges when the absolute value of the common ratio \(|r| < 1\). For this series, \(r = \frac{1}{3}\), which is less than 1, so it converges. The sum to infinity is:\[S = \frac{a}{1 - r} = \frac{2}{1 - \frac{1}{3}} = \frac{2}{\frac{2}{3}} = 3\]
05
Conclusion
We found the formula for the \(n\)th partial sum to be \(S_n = 3 \left(1 - \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^n\right)\), and the sum of the series as \(n\) approaches infinity is 3.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Partial Sum
In mathematics, especially when dealing with sequences and series, a partial sum is an important concept. A partial sum is simply the sum of the first few terms of a series, up to a specified point. For example, if you have the series:
For geometric series, the formula for the \(n\)th partial sum is given by:\[S_n = a \frac{1 - r^n}{1 - r}\]where \(a\) is the first term and \(r\) is the common ratio. Substituting specific values helps find the sum up to the \(n\)th term.
- 2,
- \(\frac{2}{3}\),
- \(\frac{2}{9}\),
- \(\frac{2}{27}\),\(...\),
For geometric series, the formula for the \(n\)th partial sum is given by:\[S_n = a \frac{1 - r^n}{1 - r}\]where \(a\) is the first term and \(r\) is the common ratio. Substituting specific values helps find the sum up to the \(n\)th term.
Series Convergence
Convergence is a critical concept in the study of series. When a series converges, the sum of its infinite terms approaches a specific number, rather than becoming infinitely large or oscillating without bound.
In the case of geometric series, convergence is determined by the common ratio \(r\). Specifically, a geometric series converges if the absolute value of \(r\) is less than 1, i.e., \(|r| < 1\).
For the series we examined
In the case of geometric series, convergence is determined by the common ratio \(r\). Specifically, a geometric series converges if the absolute value of \(r\) is less than 1, i.e., \(|r| < 1\).
For the series we examined
- The first term \(a = 2\).
- The common ratio \(r = \frac{1}{3}\),
Common Ratio
The common ratio is a fundamental element of a geometric series. It is the constant factor between consecutive terms in a geometric sequence or series. You can find it by dividing any term by its preceding term.
For example, with the series 2, \(\frac{2}{3}\), \(\frac{2}{9}\), \(\frac{2}{27}\), and so on, each term multiplied by \(\frac{1}{3}\) gives the next.
For example, with the series 2, \(\frac{2}{3}\), \(\frac{2}{9}\), \(\frac{2}{27}\), and so on, each term multiplied by \(\frac{1}{3}\) gives the next.
- If the first term is 2, then \(2 \times \frac{1}{3} = \frac{2}{3}\).
- Continues with \(\frac{2}{3} \times \frac{1}{3} = \frac{2}{9}\), and so forth.