A geometric series has third term `36` and sixth term `972.` a) find the first and the common ratio of the series.I am able to solve this one which I got `a = 4` and `r = 3.` My problem is in b): the n-th term of the series is `U_n,` (i) show that  `sum_(n = 1)^20 U_n = K(3^(20) - 1)`  where `K` is an integer to be found. How do I show this?

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Hello!

I agree with your answer to the part a), the only possible series is  `U_n = 4*3^(n-1).`

The question b) becomes simple if we recall the formula of the sum of `N` terms of a geometric progression `U_n` with the common ratio `r:`

`sum_(n = m)^(m+N) U_n = ((U_((m+N))) - (U_m))/(r-1).`

I give the more general form of the common formula because sometimes there is a confusion related with the starting index of the sum (0 or 1). In this from, the sum is

((the last summed up term of the series) - (the first summed up term of the series)) above (the common ratio - 1).

 

We know already that  `U_n = 4*3^(n-1),`  `m = 1` and `N = 20.`

Therefore  `U_(m+N) = U_21 = 4*3^(21 - 1) = 4*3^20`  and the sum is equal to

`(4*3^20 - 4*3^0)/(3 - 1) = 4/2 * (3^20 - 1) = 2*(3^20 - 1).`

 

Hence the statement we need to prove is true and  K = 2. This is the answer.

See eNotes Ad-Free

Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial Team