?How do you find the sum of the infinite geometric series 2^n/5^(2n+1)?

1 Answer
Nov 27, 2015

sum_(n=0)^(oo)2^n/5^(2n+1) = 5/23

Explanation:

The sum of an infinite geometric series with ratio r where |r| < 1 is given by
sum_(n=0)^(oo)ar^n = a/(1-r)

(A quick derivation for this formula is included in this answer: Can an infinite series have a sum? )

Now
2^n/5^(2n+1) =(1/5)(2^n/5^(2n)) = (1/5)(2^n/25^n) = (1/5)(2/25)^n

So, as |2/25| < 1

we have
sum_(n=0)^(oo)2^n/5^(2n+1) = sum_(n=0)^(oo)(1/5)(2/25)^n = (1/5)/(1-(2/25)) = 5/23