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TheSumOfAGeometricSequence PPSX

This document proves by induction that the formula for the sum of the first n terms of a geometric series is Sn = a(1 - rn)/(1 - r). It shows that the formula is true for n = 1, assumes it is true for an arbitrary value k, and then shows it is also true for k + 1, proving it is true for all natural numbers n.

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Cameron
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51 views7 pages

TheSumOfAGeometricSequence PPSX

This document proves by induction that the formula for the sum of the first n terms of a geometric series is Sn = a(1 - rn)/(1 - r). It shows that the formula is true for n = 1, assumes it is true for an arbitrary value k, and then shows it is also true for k + 1, proving it is true for all natural numbers n.

Uploaded by

Cameron
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPSX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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To prove by induction the formula for

the sum of the first n terms of a


Geometric Series

Next
(c) Project Maths Development Team 2011
Aim

 To prove that Sn is equal to for all


Geometric Series.

 Sn is the sum of the first n terms

Next
(c) Project Maths Development Team 2011
Proof: Step 1, n = 1

 Show that this is true for n = 1

 S1 = =a

and a = T1 the sum of the first 1 terms

 Therefore it is true for n = 1

Next
(c) Project Maths Development Team 2011
Proof: Step 2, n = k

 Let k be some particular value of n and


assume the following is true:

For n = k,

therefore, Sk = (replacing n with k)

Next
(c) Project Maths Development Team 2011
Proof: Step 3, n = k + 1

 Write a statement for k + 1 terms, this is the

statement to be proved: Sk + 1 =

 But Sk + 1 = Sk + Tk + 1

Next
(c) Project Maths Development Team 2011
Proof: Step 3, n = k + 1 continued

 Sk + 1 =

(common denominator: 1 – r)

This proves that Sk + 1 =

Next
(c) Project Maths Development Team 2011
Conclusion

 By showing the results from the


boxed expressions are the same, you have
proved that if the formula is true for k, it is also
true for k + 1

 Since k is just some value for n, step 1 showed it


is true for k = n = 1, therefore it is true for all n.

 Note: n is always a Natural Number


Start
(c) Project Maths Development Team 2011

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