Questions: Find the sum of the infinite geometric sequence
450, 180, 72, 28.8, 11.52 ...
Sum =
Transcript text: Find the sum of the infinite geometric sequence
\[
\begin{array}{l}
450,180,72,28.8,11.52 \ldots \\
\text { Sum }=\square
\end{array}
\]
Solution
Solution Steps
To find the sum of an infinite geometric sequence, we need to identify the first term \( a \) and the common ratio \( r \). The sum \( S \) of an infinite geometric sequence can be calculated using the formula \( S = \frac{a}{1 - r} \), provided that \( |r| < 1 \).
Identify the first term \( a \).
Calculate the common ratio \( r \) by dividing the second term by the first term.
Use the formula \( S = \frac{a}{1 - r} \) to find the sum.
Step 1: Identify the First Term
The first term of the geometric sequence is given as:
\[ a = 450 \]
Step 2: Calculate the Common Ratio
The common ratio \( r \) is calculated by dividing the second term by the first term:
\[ r = \frac{180}{450} = 0.4 \]
Step 3: Verify the Condition for Sum of Infinite Geometric Series
For the sum of an infinite geometric series to exist, the absolute value of the common ratio must be less than 1:
\[ |r| = |0.4| < 1 \]
Since this condition is satisfied, we can proceed to calculate the sum.
Step 4: Calculate the Sum of the Infinite Geometric Series
The sum \( S \) of an infinite geometric series is given by the formula:
\[ S = \frac{a}{1 - r} \]
Substituting the values of \( a \) and \( r \):
\[ S = \frac{450}{1 - 0.4} = \frac{450}{0.6} = 750 \]