Question

What is ∑n=15[5(−2)n−1] equal to?

Answer 1

Answer:

Although the notation is sloppy, I will assume based on former questions of the same that "∑n=15[5(−2)^n−1]" translates mathematically to . Please correct me, though, if this in incorrect.

Anyway, there is neat formula that will deal with question very quickly. It is the following:

Sn is the sum of the geometric series

a1 is the first term in the series

r is the common ratio

n is the number of terms in the finite geometric series

Let's use this formula to our advantage! However, there are two variables that we do not know: a1 and n. Let's start with a1.The first term in the series is when n=1, so let's determine what that is.