# Basic Geometric Series Question

Saterial

## Homework Statement

Determine whether the series is convergent or divergent. Find the sum if possible

Ʃ 1+2^n / 3^n n=1 -> infinity

a/1-r

## The Attempt at a Solution

I split it up so that the equation is now:

Ʃ (1/3^n) + (2/3)^n n=1 -> infinity
Ʃ (1/3^n) + Ʃ (2/3)^n n=1 -> infinity

I know that it is convergent in the second term because 2/3 < 1, how do I setup a/1-r for term 1? :S

a1=1/3 a1 = 2/3
(1/3)/(1-(1/3)) + (2/3)/(1-(2/3))
=5/2

The answer should be 3/2 on the answer sheet it says ?

Mentor

## Homework Statement

Determine whether the series is convergent or divergent. Find the sum if possible

Ʃ 1+2^n / 3^n n=1 -> infinity

a/1-r

## The Attempt at a Solution

I split it up so that the equation is now:

Ʃ (1/3^n) + (2/3)^n n=1 -> infinity
Ʃ (1/3^n) + Ʃ (2/3)^n n=1 -> infinity

I know that it is convergent in the second term because 2/3 < 1, how do I setup a/1-r for term 1? :S

a1=1/3 a1 = 2/3
(1/3)/(1-(1/3)) + (2/3)/(1-(2/3))
=5/2

The answer should be 3/2 on the answer sheet it says ?

USE PARENTHESES!!!

This is what you wrote (fixed up in LaTeX):
$$\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} \left( 1 + \frac{2^n}{3^n}\right)$$

This is what I'm pretty sure you meant:
$$\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} \left(\frac{1 + 2^n}{3^n}\right)$$

Don't write 1+2^n / 3^n if you mean (1+2^n )/ 3^n.

gustav1139
The first sum, once you've broken them up, is not a geometric sum. Think about what that guy's doing for a little bit.

Mentor
The first sum, once you've broken them up, is not a geometric sum. Think about what that guy's doing for a little bit.
Sure it is.
The first series can be written as
$$\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^n$$

or 1/3 + (1/3)2 + (1/3)3 + ... +

gustav1139
derp. right.

Homework Helper
Gold Member
The first sum, once you've broken them up, is not a geometric sum. Think about what that guy's doing for a little bit.

Had I been Mark44, I would have issued you a warning or infraction for that last sentence.

gustav1139
Had I been Mark44, I would have issued you a warning or infraction for that last sentence.

I apologize. Personification is against the rules?

Last edited:
Homework Helper
Gold Member
The first sum, once you've broken them up, is not a geometric sum. Think about what that guy's doing for a little bit.

Had I been Mark44, I would have issued you a warning or infraction for that last sentence.

I apologize. Personification is against the rules?

I'm not the boss around here but I just wanted to alert you that your comment might easily be construed as violating the section below. It struck me that way anyway.

From the Rules menu at the top of the page:

Language and Attitude: Foul or hostile language will not be tolerated on Physics Forums. This includes profanity, obscenity, or obvious indecent language; direct personal attacks or insults; snide remarks or phrases that appear to be an attempt to "put down" another member; and other indirect attacks on a member's character or motives.

gustav1139
Ah. When I said "that guy," I was referring to the first sum in the OP's question. I guess I see how that could be misconstrued.