The sum of an infinite geometric series is 125, and the value of r is 0.4. How do you find the first three terms of the series?

1 Answer
Nov 13, 2016

The first three terms are 75, 30, 12.

Explanation:

The formula for sum of an infinite, convergent geometric series is s_oo = a/(1- r), where s_oo is the sum, a is the first term of the series and r is the common ratio.

Hence,

125 = a/(1 - 0.4)

125 xx 0.6 = a

a = 75

We know that r = 0.4, so:

t_2 = 75 xx 0.4 = 30

t_3 = 30 xx 0.4 = 12

Hopefully this helps!