Geometric series/geometric progression

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In summary, a geometric series is a sequence of numbers where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant number. The formula for finding the sum of a geometric series is S = a(1 - r^n) / (1 - r). There is a difference between finite and infinite geometric series, as the former has a limited number of terms while the latter continues infinitely. Geometric series has various real-life applications in fields such as finance, physics, and computer science. Additionally, geometric series is related to geometric progression, as it is the sum of a geometric progression.
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Elec68
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I can't figure this out for the life of me:

A geometric series exists with the third term of 8 and the sixth term of 128, what is the geometric series?
 
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  • #2
Have you tried anything at all? What do you know about geometric series?
 
  • #3
In particular, do you know the formula for the nth term of a geometric sequence? Use that formula knowing that a3= 8 and a6= 128 to get two equations in the two parameters you need.
 

1. What is a geometric series?

A geometric series is a sequence of numbers where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant number. It follows the formula a, ar, ar^2, ar^3, ... where 'a' is the first term and 'r' is the common ratio.

2. What is the formula for finding the sum of a geometric series?

The formula for finding the sum of a geometric series is S = a(1 - r^n) / (1 - r), where 'S' is the sum, 'a' is the first term, 'r' is the common ratio, and 'n' is the number of terms.

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

A finite geometric series has a limited 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 common ratio is less than 1.

4. How is a geometric series used in real life?

Geometric series are used in various fields such as finance, physics, and computer science. In finance, it is used to calculate compound interest. In physics, it is used to model the growth or decay of a variable over time. In computer science, it is used in algorithms and data structures.

5. What is the relationship between geometric series and geometric progression?

A geometric series is a sum of a geometric progression. Geometric progression refers to the sequence of numbers, while geometric series refers to the sum of those numbers. In other words, a geometric series is the total of all the terms in a geometric progression.

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