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Ch. 10 - Sequences and Infinite Series
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBriggs 3rd EditionCh. 10 - Sequences and Infinite SeriesProblem 10.3.41
Chapter 10, Problem 10.3.41

21–42. Geometric series Evaluate each geometric series or state that it diverges.  


41.∑ (k = 1 to ∞) 4 / 12ᵏ

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Identify the first term \( a \) and the common ratio \( r \) of the geometric series. Here, the series is \( \sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{4}{12^k} \), so the first term is \( a = \frac{4}{12^1} = \frac{4}{12} \).
Express the series in the standard geometric series form \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} ar^k \) by adjusting the index if necessary. Since the sum starts at \( k=1 \), rewrite it as \( \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} ar^k \) with \( a = \frac{4}{12} \) and \( r = \frac{1}{12} \).
Check the convergence of the series by evaluating the absolute value of the common ratio \( |r| \). If \( |r| < 1 \), the series converges; otherwise, it diverges.
If the series converges, use the formula for the sum of an infinite geometric series starting at \( k=0 \): \(\n\[\n\)\$\$ S = \(\frac{a}{1 - r}\) \$\$\(\n\]\nwhere\) \( a \) is the first term and \( r \) is the common ratio.
Calculate the sum using the values of \( a \) and \( r \) identified, keeping the expression symbolic without simplifying to a final decimal value.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Geometric Series

A geometric series is a sum of terms where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant ratio. It has the form ∑ ar^(k), where a is the first term and r is the common ratio. Understanding this structure is essential to evaluate or determine the convergence of the series.
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Convergence Criteria for Geometric Series

A geometric series converges if and only if the absolute value of the common ratio |r| is less than 1. If |r| ≥ 1, the series diverges. This criterion helps decide whether the infinite sum has a finite value or not.
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Sum Formula for Convergent Geometric Series

When a geometric series converges, its sum can be calculated using the formula S = a / (1 - r), where a is the first term and r is the common ratio. This formula provides a quick way to find the total sum of infinitely many terms.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

21–42. Geometric series Evaluate each geometric series or state that it diverges.  


23.∑ (k = 0 to ∞) (–9/10)ᵏ

Textbook Question

11–27. Alternating Series Test Determine whether the following series converge.

∑ (k = 1 to ∞) (−1)ᵏ⁺¹ k² / (k³ + 1)

Textbook Question

33–38. {Use of Tech} Remainders in alternating series Determine how many terms of the following convergent series must be summed to be sure that the remainder is less than 10⁻⁴ in magnitude. Although you do not need it, the exact value of the series is given in each case.


ln 2 = ∑ (k = 1 to ∞) (−1)ᵏ⁺¹ / k

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Textbook Question

11–86. Applying convergence tests Determine whether the following series converge. Justify your answers.

∑ (from k = 1 to ∞)sin(1 / k⁹)

Textbook Question

11–86. Applying convergence tests Determine whether the following series converge. Justify your answers.

∑ (from k = 1 to ∞) 1 / (√k × e^(√k))

Textbook Question

32–49. Choose your test Use the test of your choice to determine whether the following series converge absolutely, converge conditionally, or diverge.

∑ (from k = 1 to ∞) (√k / k − 1)²ᵏ