The common ratio of a ggeometric progression is r the first term of the progression is(r^2-3r+2) and the sum of infinity is S Show that S=2-r (I have) Find the set of possible values that S can take?

2 Answers
May 8, 2018

# S = a/{1-r} = {r^2-3r+2}/{1-r} = { (r-1)(r-2) }/{1-r} = 2-r#

Since #|r|<1# we get # 1 < S < 3 #

Explanation:

We have

# S = sum_{k=0}^{infty} (r^2-3r+2) r^k #

The general sum of an infinite geometric series is

#sum_{k=0}^{infty} a r^k = a/{1-r}#

In our case,

#S = {r^2-3r+2}/{1-r} = { (r-1)(r-2) }/{1-r} = 2-r#

Geometric series only converge when #|r|<1#, so we get

# 1 < S < 3 #

May 8, 2018

#color(blue)(1 < S < 3)#

Explanation:

#ar^(n-1)#

Where #bbr# is the common ratio, #bba# is the first term and #bbn# is the nth term.

We are told common ratio is #r#

First term is #(r^2-3r+2)#

The sum of a geometric series is given as:

#a((1-r^n)/(1-r))#

For the sum to infinity this simplifies to:

#a/(1-r)#

We are told this sum is S.

Substituting in our values for a and r:

#(r^2-3r+2)/(1-r)=S#

Factor the numerator:

#((r-1)(r-2))/(1-r)=S#

Multiply numerator and denominator by #-1#

#((r-1)(2-r))/(r-1)=S#

Cancelling:

#(cancel((r-1))(2-r))/(cancel((1-r)))=S#

#S=2-r#

To find the possible values we remember that a geometric series only has a sum to infinity if #-1< r < 1#

#2-1 <2 -r <1+2#

#1 < 2-r < 3#

i.e.

#1 < S < 3#