Finding sum to convergent series?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
5 replies · 3K views
MySecretAlias
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.