Finding sum to convergent series?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the convergence of the series Ʃ (3^n + 2^n)/6^n as n approaches infinity. The series can be separated into two geometric series: Ʃ (3/6)^n and Ʃ (2/6)^n. The common ratio (r) for the first series is established as 1/2, leading to a convergent series with a sum calculated using the formula a/(1-r). The second series converges as well, but its contribution becomes negligible in comparison to the first series.

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MySecretAlias
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Homework Statement


Decide whether convergent or divergent, if convergent, find sum.


Ʃ as n = 1 and goes to infinity > (3^n + 2^n)/6^n

Homework Equations



a/1-r

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm just confused where to find the "r" to this without actually plugging in values for n, then dividing. For example, to get the answer (at least I think it's correct), I plugged 1 in for n, got 5/6, then i plugged in 2 for n, and got 11/36. I did (11/36) / (5/6), and used that for my r value, plugged that into a/1-r, and got about 1.31

How exactly do I find the r value? Thanks.
 
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Try breaking it into two sums,
\sum \frac{3^n}{6^n}+ \sum \frac{2^n}{6^n}
If those converge, separately, then the combination converges to the sum of those two.
 
I respect that. Thank you. However, how do i find what the sum is?
 
MySecretAlias said:
I respect that. Thank you. However, how do i find what the sum is?

Write 3^n/6^n as (3/6)^n=(1/2)^n. It's a geometric series. You've probably covered those.
 
Does this mean that r value is simply 1/2? the 2^n does not really matter, since in the long run, it becomes so miniscule?
 
MySecretAlias said:
Does this mean that r value is simply 1/2? the 2^n does not really matter, since in the long run, it becomes so miniscule?

Of course the 2 matters, otherwise it wouldn't be (1/2)^n. What's the sum for n=1 to infinity of (1/2)^n? Review geometric series if you have to.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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