\( \DeclareMathOperator{cosec}{cosec} \)

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International Baccalaureate Mathematics

Number and Algebra

Syllabus Content

Sum of infinite convergent geometric sequences.

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Here is an exam-style questions on this statement:

Here is an Advanced Starter on this statement:

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Furthermore

Official Guidance, clarification and syllabus links:

Use of \(|r|<1\) and modulus notation.

Link to: geometric sequences and series (SL1.3).


Formula Booklet:

The sum of an infinite geometric sequence

\( S_\infty = \dfrac{u_1}{1-r}, \quad |r| \lt 1\)


A geometric sequence is a sequence of numbers where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed, non-zero number called the common ratio. If the common ratio is greater than -1 and less than 1, the sequence is said to be convergent. The sum of an infinite convergent geometric sequence can be found using a specific formula. This sum is finite and is often referred to as the limit of the sequence as the number of terms approaches infinity.

The formula to find the sum \( S \) of an infinite convergent geometric sequence with a first term \( a \) and a common ratio \( r \) (where \( |r| < 1 \)) is given by:

$$ S = \frac{a}{1 - r} $$

For example, consider an infinite geometric sequence with a first term \( a = 3 \) and a common ratio \( r = 0.5 \).
Using the formula, the sum of this sequence is:

$$ S = \frac{3}{1 - 0.5} = \frac{3}{0.5} = 6 $$

Thus, the sum of the infinite convergent geometric sequence with terms starting at 3 and halving each time is 6.


This video on Geometric Sequences is from Revision Village and is aimed at students taking the IB Maths Standard level course.


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