What is the value of the summation of (2^n+1)/3^n?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the summation of the expression (2^n + 1)/3^n from n=1 to infinity, with a focus on identifying the correct approach to sum a geometric series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the transformation of the series into a geometric form and question the identification of the first term and the ratio. There is discussion about the implications of the series starting at n=1 instead of n=0.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's reasoning, with some suggesting corrections and clarifications regarding the first term of the series and the application of the geometric series formula. There is a recognition of the need to adjust for the starting index of the summation.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the importance of correctly identifying the first term and the ratio in the context of the geometric series, as well as the need to account for the series starting at n=1.

IntegrateMe
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So the question asks: What is the value of the "summation of" 2n+1/3n from "n=1 to infinity."

I changed 2n+1/3n into 2*(2/3)n so i could use it as a geometric series.

So now i just use the rule "a/(1-r) = sum" where a = first term and r = ratio i get 2/(1-(2/3)) which = 6. The answer is 4, any suggestions?
 
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IntegrateMe said:
So now i just use the rule "a/(1-r) = sum" where a = first term and r = ratio i get 2/(1-(2/3)) which = 6. The answer is 4, any suggestions?

Isn't your first term 2/3?
 
Oh wait, so the first term is 4/3 so i get (4/3)/[1-(2/3)] = 4. Thank you guys!
 
VeeEight said:
Your series is going from 1 to infinite. The famous geometric series test is used when the sum starts at 0. So you must subtract the n = 0 term
See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geometric_series#Formula

The a in the numerator takes care of that.

\sum_{n=n_0}^\infty r^n=\frac{r^{n_0}}{1-r}=\frac{a}{1-r}

(When r<1 and n_0\geq0 of course)
 

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