Module 6 - Searching For Patterns, Sequences and Series
Module 6 - Searching For Patterns, Sequences and Series
MATHEMATICS II
Y
MODULE 6
Searching for Patterns in
Sequences, Arithmetic, Geometric and
Others
Module 6
Searching for Pattern in Sequence,
Arithmetic, Geometric and others
a. derive the formula for the sum of the terms of a geometric sequence;
b. find the sum of the terms of a finite geometric sequence;
c. derive the formula for an infinite geometric series; and
d. solve problems involving geometric sequences.
A. Find the sum of the first n terms of the given geometric sequence.
27
2. 12, 9, , n=8 4. 3, 3 3, 6, n=4
4
2
7. 0.888 8. 0.34545
D. Do as directed:
9. If you worked at a job where you were paid 1 centavo for the first day and
your pay was doubled for each of the next 30 days, how much money would
you earn on the 30th day?
10. To test the bounce of a tennis ball, the ball is dropped from a height of 10 ft.
The ball bounces 75% of its previous height with each bounce. How high
does the ball bounce on the sixth bounce?
Lesson 1
Geometric Series
For this lesson, only finite geometric series will be discussed. Infinite geometric
series are discussed in the next lesson.
To find the sum of the 1st n terms of a geometric progression, start by writing the
sum of the n terms of a geometric progression in general terms.
3
Next, subtract the second equation from the first
S n a1 a1 r 1 a1 r 2 a1 r 3 ... a1 r n 2 a1 r n 1
r Sn a1 r 1 a1 r 2 a1 r 3 ... a1 r n 1 a1 r n
S n r S n a1 - a1rn
S n rS n a1 a1 r n
S n 1 r a1 a1 r n
a1 a1 r n a1 (1 r n )
Sn Sn
1 r 1 r
a1 (1 r n )
Sn where: a1 = first term of a geometric progression
1 r
r = common ratio, r 1
It is good to note that r should not equal 1 since if it is, the denominator will not
make any sense.
But what if r = 1, does it mean that a sum does not exist? Of course the sum
exists.
If r = 1, then Sn = a1 + a1 + a1 ++ a1 = na1
Example 1. Find the sum of the first six terms of the geometric sequence
3, 6, 12, 24,
Solution: The common ratio is 6/3 = 2. The sum of 6 terms is given by:
a1 (1 r n )
Sn
1 r
3(1 2 6 )
S6 =
1 2
4
3(1 64) 3( 63)
= = = 189
1 1
1 1
Example 2. Find the sum of 10 terms of the progression: 1, , ,
2 4
1
Solution: In this case: a = 1, r = , and n = 10
2
a1 (1 r n )
Sn
1 r
1 10
11
2
S 10
1
1
2
1
1 1024
S10
1
2
1024 1 1
S 10 2
1024 1024
1023 2
S10
1024 1
S 10 1.998
Using the formula for a geometric series may seem to be tedious but with
practice and a little patience, it will turn out to be not so hard at all.
Example 3. Find the sum of the indicated number of terms in the given geometric
sequence.
a. a1 = 3, r = -1, n = 9 c. a1 = 3, r = -1, n = 12
Solution: a. S n
a1 (1 r n )
= S9 =
3 1 (1) 9
31 (1) 3 2
3
1 r 11 2 2
b. S n
a1 (1 r n )
= S51=
8 1 ( 1) 51
81 (1) 8 2
8
1 r 11 2 2
5
c. Sn
a1 (1 r n )
= S12=
3 1 (1)12
31 1 3 0
0
1 r 11 2 2
d. S n
a1 (1 r n )
= S30=
8 1 ( 1) 30
31 1 8 0
0
1 r 11 2 2
Sn = a1 when n is odd or
Sn = 0 when n is even.
Solution: Using the formula for the sum of a geometric series with a 1 = 3 and
r = 4.
a (1 r n )
Sn 1 =
3 1 ( 4) 5
31 1024 3(1023)
1023
1 r 1 4 3 3
A. Do as directed.
1. Find the sum of the first 8 terms of the geometric progression: 2, 4, 8, 16,
1 1 1
1, , , ,... ?
2 4 8
1 1 1
3. What is the sum of the first 30 terms of 1, , , ,... ?
2 4 8
1 + 10 + 100 + 1000 +
5. Find the sum of the first 7 terms of the geometric sequence: 3, 9, 27, 81,
6
No. a1 r n an Sn
6. 3 -4 8
1
7. 2 7
3
1
8. 32 8
4
9. -3 7 -2 916
1 3 243
10.
2 2 64
Lesson 2
Sum of an infinite geometric sequence! Is there such a thing? Well, there is! You
are actually going to learn it in this lesson.
As an introduction, lets start from what we know. The formula for finite
geometric series was given in the last lesson to be
a1 (1 r n )
Sn
1 r
Suppose, one is asked to find the sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric
3 3 3
sequence 3, , , ,....
2 4 8
3
a
The common ratio is 2 2 3 3 3 1 1 . So that
a1 3 2 2 3 2
1 10
31 1 1024 1
31 3
2 1024 1024 1024
S 10
1 1 1
1
2 2 2
7
1023
3
1024 1023 3069
S10 3 2 5.994
1 1024 512
2
3 3
Notice that the sum of the first 3 terms alone is 3 + 3 1.5 .75 5.25 . This
2 4
means that the last seven terms of the ten terms only amounts to 0.744.
Now, suppose we are asked to find this time the sum of the first 20 terms, first
50 terms, first 100 terms and first 1000 terms of the same geometric progression 3,
3 3 3
, , ,.... The sums are given in Table 1:
2 4 8
TABLE 1
n Solution rn Sum
1 20
31 31 1
2 2 20
20 S 20 1 1
1 1 20
0 5.9999943
1 2 1048576
2 2
1 50
31 1 1
31 50 =
50 2 2 2 50
S 50 6
1 1 1
1 0
2 2 2.25(10) 15
1 100
31 1 1
31 100 =
2
100 2 2100
S100 6
1 1 1
1 0
2 2 1.27(10) 30
1 1000
31 1
31 1000
1000 2 2 1
S 1000 0 6
1 1 2 1000
1
2 2
8
a1 (1 r n )
This also means that in the formula, S n , the value of (1 rn) is
1 r
almost 1. Now, this leaves the numerator with only the variable, a1, which is the first
a1
term. The right-hand side of the formula then becomes .
1 r
a1
S
1 r
It should be noted that the sum to infinity exists because r is a fraction less than
1 or, in symbols, r < 1.
Now, what if r > -1? Will the formula be true? Suppose, in the problem above,
1 1 3 3 3
r = - instead of . So that the sequence becomes 3, - , , ,.... Examine
2 2 2 4 8
Table 2, compare it with Table 1 and look for similarities or differences.
TABLE 2
n Solution rn Sum
1 20 1
31 31 20
20 2 2 1 1
S 20 0 1.9999981
1 1 20
1048576
1 1 2
2 2
1 23 1 1
31 31 23 =
23 2 2 ( 2) 23
2
S 23
1 1 1
1 1 0
2 2 8388608
1 51 1
31 31 51
1
51 S 51
2
2 2 51
=
1 1 1 2
1 1 0
2 2 2.25(10) 15
1 100 1
31 31
100 2 2 100 1 1
S 100 0
1 1 = 2
1 1 2 100 1.27(10) 30
2 2
9
1 1001 1
31 31 1001
1001 2 2 1
S1001
1 1 0 2
1 1 21001
2 2
It should be noted here that (-2) 20 = 220 and that (-2)51 = -251. It should also be noted
that even if r is a negative fraction, the value r n becomes almost equal to zero.
Generally, It will not really matter whether r is negative or positive. So that, the
restriction is that r should be greater than -1 but less than 1or in symbols, -1 < r < 1.
This is equivalent to r< 1, of course, r 0.
What if ris greater than 1? Can there be a sum of an infinite number of terms
of a geometric progression?
Since r = 2, as n increases, the value of r n also increases and so does the sum,
Sn. Each new term adds a larger and larger amount to the sum and so there is no limit
to the value of Sn and S does not exist. A similar situation occurs if r = 1.
Therefore:
a1 1
S or S = a1
1 r 1 r
Example 1. Find the sum to infinity of the geometric sequence with a = 5 and
1
r=- .
3
Solution: Substituting the given values to the formula above, the sum is
a1 5
S = 1 r 1
1 ( )
3
10
5 5
1 4
1
3 3
4 3
5 5
3 4
15
4
5 5
Example 2. Find the sum to infinity of the geometric sequence 20, 5, , ,....
4 16
1
Solution: The common ratio is and a1= 20. Substituting in the formula
4
a1
S
1 r
20 20
S
1 3
1
4 4
3 4
20 20
4 3
80
9
For the next example, the second form of the formula will be used.
1 1 1
Example 3. Find the sum to infinity of the geometric sequence , , ,...
3 9 27
1 1
Solution: Substituting in the second form of the formula where a 1= and r = ,
3 3
then
1
S = a1
1 r
1
1 1 1 1
1 2
= 3 1 3
2
3
3
1 3
3
1 3 1
= 1
3 2 2
Now, look at the solution using the first form of the formula:
a1
S =
1 r
11
1 1
3 3 1 2 13 1
=
1 2 3 3 3 2 2
1
3 3
1. 3 6. a1 = 1 000, r = 0.01
12, 4, ,
4
4. 1 9. 1
a1 = 32, r = - a1 = 10, r =
2 5
5. 16, 4, 1, 10. 9 2
a1 = ,r=
8 3
Lesson 3
A lot of problems can be solved by the formulas for the general term of a
geometric sequence and geometric series, finite or infinite. Of these applications, that
of the infinite geometric series is most interesting as seen in the examples that follow.
Solution: The decimal can be expanded and written as 0.27 + 0.0027 + 0.000027
+ .. The expanded decimal looks like an infinite geometric series.
Writing the decimal as a fraction gives
12
27 27 27
......
100 1000 1000000
27 27 27
a1
S 100 100 100
1 r 1 100 1 99
1
100 100 100 100
27 99 27 100 27 3
100 100 100 99 99 11
3
So it has been shown that 0.2727 =
11
135 1
135 1
=5+ =5+
1000 1 1 1000 1000 1
1000 1000 1000
135 1
=5+ 5 135 1 999 5 135 1 1000
1000 1000 1000 999
1000 999
1000
13
135 1000 135 4995 135 5130 190
=5+ 5 =
1000 999 999 999 999 999 37
190
Therefore, 5.135135 =
37
Solution to a problem like this looks so hard. Well, notice that every detail has
been put here so one gets to understand each step better. But when one solves on
his/her own, shortcuts may be used.
Rebounding Ball
Example 3. A certain ball when dropped from a height rebounds 3/5 of the original
height. How high will the ball rebound after the fourth bounce if it was
dropped from a height of 10 m?
Solution: A diagram as to how the ball will rebound will give a clear view of the
problem.
1st rebound
2nd rebound
3rd rebound
4th rebound
The problem asking for how high the ball will rebound after the 4 th bounce is
equivalent to asking for the height the ball has reached on its fourth rebound, then this
can be solved by listing down the heights the ball reaches at each rebound. On the
3
first rebound the height the ball reaches is the height of the previous height,
5
3 3
which is 10m. So that of 10=(10)= 6m. On the second rebound the height
5 5
3 18 3 18 54
the ball reaches is (6) = ; on the third rebound, the height is ( )= ;
5 5 5 5 25
3 54 162
and finally on the fourth rebound, the height the ball rebounds is ( )= =1.3
5 25 125
m.
14
Using the formula for the nth term of a geometric sequence with a 1 = 6, and
3
r= :
5
a n a1 r n 1
4 1
3 3
3
27 162
a4 = 6 = 6 = 6 = =1.3m
5 5 125 125
Example 4. What is the total distance that the ball in Example 3 has traveled by the
time it comes to rest?
3
Solution: If the ball always rebounds the distance it falls, then theoretically it
5
never comes to rest. However, the sum of the distances it travels
downward and the sum of the distances it travels on the rebounds form
two infinite series.
10
6 6
18/5 18/5
162/125
54/25 54/25
162/125
18 54 162
downward series 10 + 6 + + ...
5 25 125
18 54 162
upward series 6+ + ...
5 25 125
The total distance S the ball travels can be found by adding the sums of these
infinite series. This gives
15
18 54 162 18 54 162
= 10 6 ... + 6 ...
5 25 125 5 25 125
18 54 162
Notice that the series 6 ... is contained in both the downward
5 25 125
and upward series, then S can be written as
18 54 162
S = 10 + 2 6 ...
5 25 125
3 3
2
3
3
= 10 + 2 6 6 5 6 5 6 5 ...
Using the formula for the sum of an infinite series S = a1 /(1- r) with a = 6 and
r = 3/5, then,
6 6
S = 10 + 2 = 10 + 25 3
1 3
5 5
5
6
2 5
= 10 + 2 = 10 + 2 6 10 26
2 5 2
5
= 10 + 2(15) = 40
Example 5. Linda starts a chain letter and sends it to three friends. Each of the three
friends sends the letter to 3 other friends and the sequence is repeated.
Assuming that no one breaks the chain, how many letters will have been
sent from the first through the sixth mailings?
1st
16
2nd
On the first mail, 3 letters are sent, on the second mailing there are 3(3) = 9
letters sent, on the third mailing there are 9(3) = 27 letters sent, and so on. So that the
sequence formed is 3, 9, 27,
The problem asked for the total letters mailed. So the formula for the sum of n
terms of a geometric sequence is used.
a1 (1 r n )
Sn
1 r
Growth of Bacteria:
Example 6. A certain culture of bacteria initially contains 1 000 bacteria and doubles
every hour. How many bacteria are in the culture at the end of 10 hours?
Solution: Since the number of bacteria doubles every hour and there are initially
1 000, therefore at the end of the first hour there will be 2 000. At the end
of the second hour, there will be 4 000 and so on. A table of values will
help .
t hours 1 2 3 4 5
no. of bacteria 2 000 4 000 8 000 16 000 32 000
The second row of the table shows a geometric sequence where a 1= 2000 and
r = 2. Using the formula for the nth term of a geometric progression, then,
Here notice that we did not start the sequence with 1 000 since it is the initial
number of bacteria in the culture and there are no doublings yet.
Binary System
17
In a computer, numbers are stored in memory locations where spots are
magnetized or not magnetized. These spots can be interpreted as zero or one to
represent numbers in a base-two number system. A base-two number system uses the
same principle of positional notation as a base-ten number system or the decimal
system.
5 x 100 = 5 1 x 20 = 1
1 x 101 = 10 0 x 21 = 0
2 x 102 = 200 1 x 22 = 4
4 x 103 = 4000 0 x 23 = 0
3 x 104 = 30000 1 x 24 = 16
A single one or zero in a base-two number system is called a bit which is short
for binary digit. Designating a computer as an 8-bit or 16-bit computer indicates that
the number of bits that can be stored in a single memory location. The value of each
bit read from right to left across the number is given by the corresponding term of a
geometric progression with a common ratio of two.
Example 7. What is the value of the fourth bit from the right in the binary
number 101111?
an = a1 r n 1 a4 = 1(2)4 1 = 23 = 8.
Example 8. What is the largest number that can be stored in an eight-bit binary
number?
Solution: This is the same as asking for the sum of the geometric
progression of 8 terms with a1 = 1 and r = 2.
Sn
a1 (1 r n )
S8 =
11 28
=
1(1 256)
= 255
1 r 1 2 1
255 is the largest base-ten number that can be stored in eight bits.
18
3
1 x x 2 x 3 ...
2
Solution: It is assumed that the infinite series given in the problem is geometric
a2 x
since it has an indicated sum. Observe that a 2 = r = x since r = .
a1 1
Using the sum of an infinite geometric sequence,
2 1
2(1 x) 3 2 2 x 3 2 x 3 2 1
3 1 x
1
-2x = 1 x=-
2
1. 0.555
2. 0.06262
3. 3.297297
4. 2.6444
5. On the first swing, the length of the arc through which a pendulum swings is
20dm. The length of each successive swing is 4/5 of the preceding swing. What
is the total distance the pendulum has traveled during the four swings?
6. What distance will a golf ball travel if it is dropped from a height of 72 dm,
and if, after each fall, it rebounds 2/3 of the distance it fell?
7. A culture of bacteria doubles every 3 hours. If there are 500 bacteria at the
beginning, how many bacteria will there be after 24 hours?
8. A particular substance decays in such a way that it loses half its weight
each day. If initially there are 256 grams of the substance, how much is left
after 10 days?
1 x
x x 2 x 3 ...
x
19
10. What is the value of the largest binary number that can be stored in a 16-
bit computer?
C. The following is the Tower of Hanoi Puzzle. Read it and try to do what you are
asked to. Then answer the questions that follow.
The Tower of Hanoi is a puzzle that has the following form: Three pegs are
placed in a board. A number of disk graded in size are staked in one if the pegs
with the largest disk no the bottom and the succeeding smaller disk placed on
top. The disks are moved according to the following rules:
The object of the puzzle is to transfer all the disks from one peg to one of the
other two pegs. If initially there is only one disk, then there will be only one
move. With three disks, then only one move would be required.
You can try this puzzle using playing cards. Select a number of playing cards, in
sequence, from a deck. The number of cards corresponds to the number of
disk, and the number of the card corresponds to the size of the disk. For
example, an ace would correspond to the smallest disk; the two correspond
to the next largest disk, and so on for five cards. Now place three coins on a
table to be used as the pegs. Pile the cards on one of the coins (in order), and
try to move the pile to a second coin. Now a numerically larger card cannot be
placed on a numerically smaller card. Try this for 5 cards. The number of moves
is 31.
The chart below shows the minimum number of moves required for an initial
number of disks. The difference between the numbers of moves for each
succeeding disk is also given.
No. of disks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
No. of moves 1 3 7 15 31 63 x y
2 4 8 16 p q r
Questions:
11. What kind of sequence is the last list of numbers in the chart?
12. Find the values of p, q and r.
13. Then find x and y.
14. What is the general term for the sequence of numbers in the second row?
20
Lets Summarize
where a1= the first term, n = the number of terms and r = the common ratio.
a1 1
S = a1
1 r 1 r
where a1 = the first term and r = the common ratio such that r< 1.
A. Find the sum of the first n terms of the given geometric sequence.
1. 3, 6, 12, n = 12
27
2. 12, 9, , n=5
4
3. -5, 15, -45, n=7
4. 3, 3 3, 6, n=4
21
3 3
5. 3, , ,
3 4
2 2
6. 2, , -,
3 9
7. 0.3838
8. 2.251251
D. Do as directed.
9. A certain bacteria triples every 2 hours. If at 9:00 am there are initially 1000
bacteria, how many will there be at 5:00 pm on the same day?
10. On the first swing, the length of the arc through which a pendulum swings
is 10 dm. The length of each successive swing is 2/3 of the preceding swing.
Find the total distance it has traveled before coming to rest.
22
Answer Key
How Much Do You Know
1. 242 6. 16
7
2. 43.19 7. 8
9
3. 728 8. 19
5
4. 12(1 + 3 ) 9. Php 10,737,418.23
5. 9 10. 3645
2048
Try This Out
Lesson 1
1. 18 6. 100,000/99
2. 10000 7. 108
11
3. 27 8. 90
4. 64 9. 25
3 2
5. 64 10. 27
3 40
Lesson 3
1. 5 8. 1023
g
9 24
2. 31 9. 2
495 2
3. 611 122 10. 65,535
3 or
37 37
23
4. 29 119 11. Geometric sequence
2 or
45 45
5. 100dm 12. p = 32, q = 64, r = 128
6. 360dm 13. x = 127, y = 255
7. 128,000 bacteria 14. a n= 2 n 1
1. 189 6. 3
2. 217 7. 38
16 99
3. -2735 8. 251 2249
2 or
999 999
4. 6(1+ 2 ) 9. 81,000 bacteria
5. 6 10. 30 dm
24