Therefore, the simplified function is:f(x) = (1-x)^4

In summary, a geometric series is a sequence of numbers where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant value, known as the common ratio. The sum of a geometric series can be found using the formula S<sub>n</sub> = a<sub>1</sub>(1-r<sup>n</sup>)/1-r, where S<sub>n</sub> is the sum of the first n terms, a<sub>1</sub> is the first term, and r is the common ratio. This formula applies when the absolute value of the common ratio is less than 1. The difference between a finite and infinite geometric series is that a finite series has a fixed number of terms and can be
  • #1
Phuzz
1
0
1. Sum the Geometric Series 1-x+x2-x3+x4

and hence simplify the function

[f(x)]4 = 1 - x5
1-x+x2-x3+x4

Homework Equations





3. Not sure I quite get understand this properly, as my attempt doesn't seem quite right.


Basically I've gotten

S=1-x+x2-x3+x4

S=1-1+x-x2+x3
x x

which then subtracted becomes

s(1 - 1) = (1-1)+2x+x+x
x x

= 1 +4x
x

Then, putting that into the simplifying function part gives me

f(x) =

1 -x5
-1 +4x
x
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Notice that

[tex]1-x+x^2-x^3+\ldots=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-1)^nx^n=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}(-x)^n[/tex]
 

1. What is a geometric series?

A geometric series is a sequence of numbers where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant value, known as the common ratio. The formula for a geometric series is a1, a1r, a1r2, a1r3, ..., a1rn-1, where a1 is the first term and r is the common ratio.

2. How do you find the sum of a geometric series?

The formula for finding the sum of a geometric series is Sn = a1(1-rn)/1-r, where Sn is the sum of the first n terms, a1 is the first term, and r is the common ratio. This formula applies when the absolute value of the common ratio is less than 1.

3. What is the difference between a finite and infinite geometric series?

A finite geometric series has a fixed number of terms, while an infinite geometric series has an endless number of terms. A finite geometric series can be summed using the formula Sn = a1(1-rn)/1-r, while an infinite geometric series can only be summed if the value of r is between -1 and 1, using the formula S = a1/(1-r).

4. What is the relationship between a geometric series and exponential growth?

A geometric series can be used to model exponential growth, where the common ratio represents the growth rate. For example, the number of bacteria in a population after n generations can be modeled using the formula a1rn, where a1 is the initial number of bacteria and r is the growth rate.

5. How is the sum of a geometric series useful in real life?

The sum of a geometric series has many real-life applications, such as calculating compound interest, population growth, and depreciation of assets. It is also used in fields such as physics and engineering to model exponential decay and growth. Understanding the sum of a geometric series can also help in understanding more complex mathematical concepts such as infinite series and the binomial theorem.

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