Geometric Series Derivation for Given Identities

In summary, the geometric series for 1/0.99 and 1/0.98 can be written as 1/(1-0.01) and 1/(1-0.02) respectively. To represent these series, the first term must be 1 and the summation can start from 0 instead of 1 to avoid adding 1 at the end. Changing the lower limit to 0 solves this issue.
  • #1
opticaltempest
135
0
I am trying to derive the geometric series for the following given
identities,

[tex]
\begin{array}{l}
\frac{1}{{0.99}} = 1.0101010101... \; \; \; {\rm{ (1)}} \\
[/tex][tex]
\frac{1}{{0.98}} = 1.0204081632... \; \; \; {\rm{ (2)}} \\
\end{array}
[/tex]

Here is my answer for (1),

[tex]
\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\left( {\frac{1}{{100}}} \right)} ^n + 1
[/tex]

Here is my answer for (2),

[tex]
\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\left( {\frac{1}{{50}}} \right)} ^n + 1
[/tex]

Are my answers correct? The only way I can get the correct answer is by
adding 1 onto the series. Is this the correct way represent the series?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes, the answers are correct. The reason you are adding 1 onto the series is because this formula for the infinite sum of a geometric series
1/(1-r)
holds when the first term is 1. 1/.99 can be written as 1/(1-.01) so you have ratio r and first term 1, and the sequence you wrote for the first one reflects that only when you add 1 to it. You could sum from 0 to infinity and remove the 1, instead of from 1 to infinity and adding in the 1 afterwards, if you think it looks neater.
 
  • #3
You can get rid of adding the ones by changing the summation to start from zero instad of one.
 
  • #4
Ok, I see how changing the lower limit to 0 solves the problem of having
to add 1 to the series.

Thanks!
 

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, called the common ratio.

2. How do you find 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. Can a geometric series have an infinite sum?

Yes, a geometric series can have an infinite sum if the common ratio is between -1 and 1.

4. What is the relationship between a geometric series and a geometric sequence?

A geometric series is the sum of a geometric sequence, where the terms are added together instead of just being listed.

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

Geometric series are commonly used in finance, such as calculating compound interest. They are also used in physics and engineering to model exponential growth or decay.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
216
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
178
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
159
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
260
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
397
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
695
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
512
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
981
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
206
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
461
Back
Top