SOLUTION: find the sum of the geometric series. 14 - 7 + 7/2 - 7/4 + ...

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Question 22136: find the sum of the geometric series.
14 - 7 + 7/2 - 7/4 + ...

Answer by longjonsilver(2297) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
sum of GP = %28a%281-r%5En%29%29%2F%281-r%29. However, your series is infinite... it goes on forever. Now, if -1 < r < +1, then this formula simplifies, becoming a%2F%281-r%29 and is the sum to infinity.

To find r:
-7/14 --> -1/2. This is the common ratio, r and it satisfies the condition mentioned above, so we have a=14 and r=-1/2

Sum = 14%2F%281-%28-1%2F2%29%29
Sum = 14%2F%281%2B1%2F2%29
Sum = 14%2F%283%2F2%29
Sum = 28%2F3

which is 9 and a third.

jon.