The Geometric Sequence in Question

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 142 views

What Value Should Replace ${$ n $}$ in Sigma Notation to Find the Sum of the First 10 Terms of the Geometric Sequence?

Sigma notation is a powerful tool used in mathematics to represent the sum of a series or sequence. It is commonly used in calculus, algebra, and other branches of mathematics to simplify complex summations. In this article, we will explore how to use sigma notation to find the sum of the first 10 terms of a geometric sequence.

A geometric sequence is a sequence of numbers in which each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed, non-zero number called the common ratio. The general form of a geometric sequence is:

a, ar, ar^2, ar^3, ...

where a is the first term and r is the common ratio.

The Geometric Sequence in Question

The geometric sequence in question is:

1, 1/4, 1/16, ...

This sequence has a first term of 1 and a common ratio of 1/4.

Finding the Sum of the First 10 Terms

To find the sum of the first 10 terms of this sequence, we can use sigma notation. The general form of sigma notation is:

∑[a_n] from n=1 to n=N

where a_n is the nth term of the sequence and N is the number of terms.

In this case, the nth term of the sequence is:

a_n = 1 * (1/4)^(n-1)

We want to find the sum of the first 10 terms, so we will use N=10.

Replacing ${$ n $}$ in Sigma Notation

To find the sum of the first 10 terms, we need to replace ${$ n $}$ in sigma notation with the correct value. The value of ${$ n $}$ is the number of terms in the sequence, which is 10.

However, we also need to replace ${$ n-1 $}$ in the formula for the nth term with the correct value. Since we are starting from n=1, we need to subtract 1 from the value of ${$ n $}$.

Therefore, the correct value to replace ${$ n $}$ in sigma notation is:

n = 10

The Correct Sigma Notation

The correct sigma notation to find the sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric sequence is:

∑[1 * (1/4)^(n-1)] from n=1 to n=10

Simplifying the Sigma Notation

We can simplify the sigma notation by evaluating the expression inside the summation:

∑[1 * (1/4)^(n-1)] from n=1 to n=10

= ∑[1/4^(n-1)] from n=1 to n=10

= 1 + 1/4 + 1/16 + 1/64 + 1/256 + 1/1024 + 1/4096 + 1/16384 + 1/65536 + 1/262144

Evaluating the Sum

To evaluate the sum, we can use the formula for the sum of a geometric series:

S = a * (1 - r^N) / (1 - r)

where S is the sum, a is the first term, r is the common ratio, and N is the number of terms.

In this case, a = 1, r = 1/4, and N = 10.

Plugging in these values, we get:

S = 1 * (1 - (1/4)^10) / (1 - 1/4)

= 1 * (1 - 1/1048576) / (3/4)

= 1 * (1048575/1048576) / (3/4)

= 1048575/786432

= 1.3333333333333333

In conclusion, the value to replace ${$ n $}$ in sigma notation to find the sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric sequence is 10. The correct sigma notation is:

∑[1 * (1/4)^(n-1)] from n=1 to n=10

The sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric sequence is approximately 1.3333333333333333.

"Sigma Notation" by Math Is Fun
"Geometric Sequence" by Math Is Fun
"Sum of a Geometric Series" by Math Is Fun
Q&A: Sigma Notation and Geometric Sequences =============================================

In our previous article, we explored how to use sigma notation to find the sum of the first 10 terms of a geometric sequence. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about sigma notation and geometric sequences.

Q: What is sigma notation?

A: Sigma notation is a way of representing the sum of a series or sequence. It is commonly used in calculus, algebra, and other branches of mathematics to simplify complex summations.

Q: What is a geometric sequence?

A: A geometric sequence is a sequence of numbers in which each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed, non-zero number called the common ratio.

Q: How do I find the sum of the first n terms of a geometric sequence?

A: To find the sum of the first n terms of a geometric sequence, you can use the formula:

S = a * (1 - r^n) / (1 - r)

where S is the sum, a is the first term, r is the common ratio, and n is the number of terms.

Q: What is the formula for the nth term of a geometric sequence?

A: The formula for the nth term of a geometric sequence is:

a_n = a * r^(n-1)

where a_n is the nth term, a is the first term, r is the common ratio, and n is the term number.

Q: How do I use sigma notation to find the sum of a geometric sequence?

A: To use sigma notation to find the sum of a geometric sequence, you need to replace ${$ n $}$ in the formula for the nth term with the correct value. The value of ${$ n $}$ is the number of terms in the sequence.

For example, if you want to find the sum of the first 10 terms of a geometric sequence with a first term of 1 and a common ratio of 1/4, you would use the following sigma notation:

∑[1 * (1/4)^(n-1)] from n=1 to n=10

Q: What is the difference between a geometric sequence and an arithmetic sequence?

A: A geometric sequence is a sequence of numbers in which each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed, non-zero number called the common ratio. An arithmetic sequence is a sequence of numbers in which each term after the first is found by adding a fixed number called the common difference.

Q: How do I find the sum of an infinite geometric series?

A: To find the sum of an infinite geometric series, you can use the formula:

S = a / (1 - r)

where S is the sum, a is the first term, and r is the common ratio.

Q: What is the formula for the sum of a geometric series?

A: The formula for the sum of a geometric series is:

S = a * (1 - r^n) / (1 - r)

where S is the sum, a is the first term, r is the common ratio, and n is the number of terms.

In conclusion, sigma notation and geometric sequences are powerful tools used in mathematics to represent and simplify complex summations. By understanding how to use sigma notation and the formula for the sum of a geometric series, you can solve a wide range of mathematical problems.

"Sigma Notation" by Math Is Fun
"Geometric Sequence" by Math Is Fun
"Sum of a Geometric Series" by Math Is Fun