It is possible to add infinitely many terms and arrive at a finite sum if the terms are small enough.
The sum of an infinite geometric series \(~~\displaystyle{\sum_{k=0}^{\infty} ar^{k-1}}~~\) is
\begin{equation*}
S_{\infty} = \dfrac{a}{1-r}~~~~~~\text{if}~~~~~~-1 \lt r \lt 1
\end{equation*}
If \(\abs{r} \ge 1\) in an infinite geometric series, the series does not have a sum.
The binomial coefficient \(~_nC_k~\) is the coefficient of the term containing \(b^k\) in the expansion of \((a+b)^n\text{.}\)
The numbers in Pascal’s triangle are the binomial coefficients. Specifically, the number in the \(k^{\text{th}}\) position (starting with \(k=0\)) of the \(n^{\text{th}}\) row of the triangle is \(~_nC_k~\text{.}\)
For Problems 1–2, find the first four terms in the sequence whose general term is given.
1.
\(a_n = \dfrac{n}{n^2+1}\)
2.
\(b_n = \dfrac{(-1)^{n-1}}{n}\)
Exercise Group.
For Problems 3–4, find the first five terms in the recursively defined sequence.
3.
\(c_1 = 5;~~c_{n+1}=c_n-3\)
4.
\(d_1=1;~~d_{n+1} = \dfrac{-3}{4}d_n\)
Exercise Group.
For Problems 5–8,
Find the first four terms of the sequence.
Determine equations to define the sequence recursively.
5.
Rick purchased a sailboat for $1800. How much is it worth after \(n\) years if it depreciates in value by 12% each year?
6.
Sally earns $24,000 per year. If she receives a 6% raise each year, what will her salary be after \(n\) years?
7.
To fight off an infection, Garrison receives a 30-milliliter dose of an antibiotic followed by doses of 15-milliliters at regular intervals. Between doses, Garrison’s kidneys body removes 25% of the antibiotic that was present after the previous dose. How much of the antibiotic is present after \(n\) doses?
8.
Opal joined the Weight Losers Club. At the end of the first meeting she weighed 187 pounds, and she lost 2 pounds from one meeting to the next. How much does Opal weigh after \(n\) meetings?
Exercise Group.
For Problems 9–18, find the indicated term for the sequence.
9.
\(x_n = (-1)^n (n-2)^2;~~x_7\)
10.
\(y_n = \sqrt{n^3 - 2};~~y_3\)
11.
The tenth term in the arithmetic sequence that begins \(~{-4}, 0, \cdots\text{.}\)
12.
The sixth term in the arithmetic sequence that begins \(~x-a,~ x+a, \cdots\text{.}\)
13.
The eighth term in the geometric sequence that begins \(~\dfrac{16}{27}, \dfrac{-8}{9}, \dfrac{2}{3}, \cdots\)
14.
The fifth term in the geometric sequence with third term \(\dfrac{-2}{3}\) and sixth term \(\dfrac{16}{81}.\)
15.
The twenty-third term of the arithmetic sequence \(~{-84}, -74, -64, \cdots\)
16.
The ninth term of the arithmetic sequence \(~\dfrac{-1}{2}, 1, \dfrac{5}{2}, \cdots\)
17.
The first term of an arithmetic sequence is 8 and the twenty-eighth term is 89. Find the twenty-first term.
18.
What term in the arithmetic sequence \(~5, 2, -1, \cdots~\) is \(~{-37}\text{?}\)
Exercise Group.
For Problems 19–28, identify each sequence as arithmetic, geometric, or neither. If the sequence is arithmetic or geometric, find the next four terms of the sequence and a non-recursive expression for the general term.
A rubber ball is dropped from a height of 12 feet and returns two-thirds of its previous height on each bounce. How high does the ball bounce after hitting the floor for the fourth time?
44.
The property taxes on the Hardesty’s family home were $840 in 2014. If the taxes increase by 2% each year, what will the taxes be in 2020?
45.
Find the sum of all integral multiples of 6 between 10 and 100.
Write the sum in (a) using sigma notation.
46.
Kathy planted a 7-foot silver maple tree in 2015. If the tree grows 1.3 feet each year, in what year will it be 20 feet tall?
47.
A rubber ball is dropped from a height of 12 feet and returns three-fourths of its previous height on each bounce. Approximately what is the total distance the ball travels before coming to rest?
48.
Suppose you will be paid 1¢ on the first day of June, 2¢ on the second, 4¢ on the third, etc., so that each new day you are paid twice what your received the previous day. What would be the total amount you will receive in the month of June?
Exercise Group.
For Problems 49–50, find a common fraction equivalent to the repeating decimal.
49.
\(3.222\overline{2}\)
50.
\(0.41818\overline{18}\)
Exercise Group.
For Problems 51–52, write the power in expanded form.