Calculate the sum for the infinite geometric series

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SUMMARY

The sum of the infinite geometric series $4 + 2 + 1 + \frac{1}{2} + ...$ is calculated using the formula $\displaystyle\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} a r^n = a \left(\frac{1}{1 - r}\right)$, where $a = 4$ and the common ratio $r = \frac{1}{2}$. Substituting these values into the formula yields $4 \left(\frac{1}{1 - \frac{1}{2}}\right) = 4 \times 2 = 8$. This confirms that the correct initial term is $4$, not $5$ as mistakenly noted in the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geometric series
  • Familiarity with the formula for the sum of an infinite geometric series
  • Basic algebra skills
  • Knowledge of convergence criteria for series
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of geometric series in detail
  • Learn about convergence and divergence of series
  • Explore applications of geometric series in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate variations of the geometric series formula for different contexts
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karush
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Calculate the sum for the infinite geometric series
$4+2+1+\frac{1}{2}+...$

all I know is the ratio is $\frac{1}{2}$

$\displaystyle\sum_{n}^{\infty}a{r}^{n}$
assume this is used
 
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karush said:
Calculate the sum for the infinite geometric series
$4+2+1+\frac{1}{2}+...$

all I know is the ratio is $\frac{1}{2}$

$\displaystyle\sum_{n}^{\infty}a{r}^{n}$
assume this is used

what is sum of Geometric series$\displaystyle\sum_{n= 0}^{\infty}a{r}^{n}= a (\frac{1}{1-r})$
using above
$= 4 (\frac{1}{1-\frac{1}{2}})= 4 * 2 = 8$
 
Calculate the sum for the infinite geometric series
$4+2+1+\frac{1}{2}+...$

$a=4 \ \ r=\frac{1}{2}$

$\displaystyle\sum_{n= 0}^{\infty}a{r}^{n}= a (\frac{1}{1-r})
= 4 (\frac{1}{1-\frac{1}{2}})= 4 * 2 = 8$
 
karush said:
Calculate the sum for the infinite geometric series
$4+2+1+\frac{1}{2}+...$

$a=5 \ \ r=\frac{1}{2}$

$\displaystyle\sum_{n= 0}^{\infty}a{r}^{n}= a (\frac{1}{1-r})
= 4 (\frac{1}{1-\frac{1}{2}})= 4 * 2 = 8$

$a = 4$ and not 5
 
Saw it, got it
 

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