Difficult G.P. Problem from a Difficult Math Book

  • Thread starter Thread starter z.js
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Book
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The series defined by the terms $$T_k=ar^{k-1}$$ for specific values of k can be expressed as the sum of two geometric series. The sum to 4n terms of the series is proven to be $$\frac{a(1+r)(1-r^{4n})}{(1+r^2)}$$. The solution involves breaking down the series into manageable parts and applying the geometric series formula $$S_n=\frac{a(1-r^n)}{1-r}$$. The challenge lies in factoring the expression $$1+r+r^2+r^3$$ effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geometric series and their summation formulas
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation and factoring techniques
  • Knowledge of series convergence and term definitions
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical notation and expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of geometric series in-depth
  • Learn advanced factoring techniques for polynomial expressions
  • Explore the derivation and applications of series summation formulas
  • Practice solving similar series problems to reinforce understanding
USEFUL FOR

Students studying advanced mathematics, particularly those focusing on series and sequences, educators teaching geometric series, and anyone looking to enhance their algebraic manipulation skills.

z.js
Messages
57
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


15. The series $$a+ar-ar^2-ar^3+ar^4+ar^5-ar^6-ar^7+...,$$
where ##a>0##, has its ##k##th term, ##T_k##, defined by
$$T_k=ar^{k-1}$$ if ##k## is of the form ##4p-3## or ##4p-2## and
$$T_k=-ar^{k-1}$$ if ##k## is of the form ##4p-1## or ##4p,##
where p is a positive integer. By rewriting the series as the sum of two geometric series, or otherwise, prove that the sum to ##4n## terms of the series is $$\frac{a(1+r)(1-r^4n)}{(1+r^2)}.$$

Homework Equations


$$S_n=\frac{a(1-r^n)}{1-r}$$


The Attempt at a Solution


$$a+ar-ar^2-ar^3+ar^4+ar^5-ar^6-ar^7+...$$
$$=(a+ar+ar^4+ar^5+...)-(ar^2+ar^3+ar^6+ar^7+...)$$
$$=(a+ar^4+ar^8+...)+(ar+ar^5+ar^9+...)-(ar^2+ar^6+ar^10+...)-(ar^3+ar^7+ar^{11}+...)$$
$$={}^1 S_n +{}^2 S_n +{}^3 S_n +{}^4 S_n$$
$$=\frac{a(1-(r^{4n})}{1-r^4}+\frac{ar(1-(r^{4n})}{1-r^4}-\frac{ar^2(1-(r^{4n})}{1-r^4}-\frac{ar^3(1-(r^{4n})}{1-r^4}$$
$$=a(1+r+r^2+r^3)\frac{a(1-r^{4n})}{(1-r^4)}$$
and now I am stUCK in the mUCK YUCK! I don't know how to factorise ##1+r+r^2+r^3##.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Try grouping terms like this: (1 + r) + (r2 + r3). 1 + r is then a common factor of both terms.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
20K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K