Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Sum of an Arithmetic Series

An arithmetic series is the sum of the terms in an arithmetic sequence, where the
difference between consecutive terms remains constant. The formula to calculate the
sum of the first n terms is:
n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
where:

ˆ Sn : The sum of the first n terms,

ˆ n: The number of terms,

ˆ a: The first term in the sequence,

ˆ d: The common difference between consecutive terms.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Worked Example: Sum of Arithmetic Series

Example

Problem
A student earns $5 on the first day of a summer job, $8 on the second day, $11 on
the third day, and so on. How much does the student earn in total after working for
15 days?
Solution
Step 1: Identify the given values.
ˆ a = 5 (the first term),

ˆ d = 8 − 5 = 3 (the common difference),

ˆ n = 15 (the number of terms).

Step 2: Use the formula.

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
Substituting the values:
15
S15 = (2(5) + 3(15 − 1))
2
Step 3: Simplify the equation.
15 15
S15 = (10 + 42) = · 52
2 2
Step 4: Calculate the result.
780
S15 = = 390
2
Answer: The student earns $390 in total after 15 days.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Unique Arithmetic Series Questions

Unique Problem

Problem 1
A staircase has steps of increasing height: the first step is 6 cm, the second is 9 cm,
the third is 12 cm, and so on. How much total height does a person climb after
ascending 20 steps?

Unique Problem

Problem 2
An athlete runs 2 km on Day 1, 3.5 km on Day 2, 5 km on Day 3, and so on. How
far does the athlete run in total over the first 10 days?

Unique Problem

Problem 3
A gardener plants 10 flowers on the first day, 15 flowers on the second day, 20 flowers
on the third day, and continues this pattern. How many flowers does the gardener
plant in total over 12 days?

Unique Problem

Problem 4
A savings account deposits $100 on the first day, $150 on the second day, $200 on
the third day, and so on, increasing by $50 each day. What is the total amount saved
after 30 days?

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Sum of a Geometric Series

A geometric series is the sum of the terms in a geometric sequence, where each term
is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant ratio (r).
The formula for the sum of the first n terms is:
rn − 1
Sn = a , if r > 1.
r−1
where:

ˆ Sn : The sum of the first n terms,

ˆ a: The first term of the sequence,

ˆ r: The common ratio,

ˆ n: The number of terms.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Worked Example: Sum of Geometric Series

Example

Problem
A bacteria culture triples in size every hour. Starting with 2 bacteria, what is the
total population after 6 hours?
Solution
Step 1: Identify the given values.
ˆ a = 2 (the first term),

ˆ r = 3 (the common ratio),

ˆ n = 6 (the number of terms).

Step 2: Use the formula.

rn − 1
Sn = a
r−1
Substitute the values:
36 − 1
S6 = 2
3−1
Step 3: Simplify the equation.
729 − 1 728
S6 = 2 · =2· = 728
2 2
Answer: The total population after 6 hours is 728 bacteria.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Unique Geometric Series Questions

Unique Problem

Problem 1
A ball is dropped from a height of 8 meters and bounces back to half its height each
time. What is the total distance the ball travels before coming to rest?

Unique Problem

Problem 2
A company distributes digital coupons starting with 5 customers on Day 1. Each
customer shares the coupon with 3 new people daily. How many total coupons are
distributed after 7 days?

Unique Problem

Problem 3
An investment account offers a 5% annual interest rate, compounded annually. If
$1,000 is invested, what will be the total amount in the account after 10 years?

Unique Problem

Problem 4
A light bulb’s brightness doubles every 2 years. If a bulb has an initial brightness of
100 lumens, what will be its brightness after 10 years?

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Practice Problems
Arithmetic Series Practice

Practice Problem
Problem 1
Find the sum of the first 25 terms in the sequence 3, 7, 11, . . ..

Practice Problem
Problem 2
A train adds one more passenger car every stop. The first stop has 2 cars, with a
common difference of 1. How many cars are there in total after 10 stops?

Practice Problem
Problem 3
Calculate the total number of pages read over 30 days if a student reads 2 pages on
Day 1, 4 pages on Day 2, and so on, increasing by 2 pages daily.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Geometric Series Practice

Practice Problem
Problem 1
Calculate the sum of the first 8 terms of 5, 15, 45, . . ..

Practice Problem
Problem 2
A person saves $50 in the first month, $100 in the second, $200 in the third, and so
on. How much do they save in total over 12 months?

Practice Problem
Problem 3
A virus spreads such that each infected person infects 4 others. Starting with 1
infected person, how many people are infected in total after 6 generations?

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Solutions to Practice Problems

Arithmetic Series Practice Solutions

Solution
Problem 1
Find the sum of the first 25 terms in the sequence 3, 7, 11, . . ..
Solution:
ˆ a = 3 (first term)

ˆ Common difference d = 7 − 3 = 4

ˆ Number of terms n = 25

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
25 25 25
S25 = (2(3) + 4(25 − 1)) = (6 + 96) = × 102 = 25 × 51 = 1275
2 2 2
Answer: The sum of the first 25 terms is 1275.

Solution
Problem 2
A train adds one more passenger car every stop. The first stop has 2 cars,
with a common difference of 1. How many cars are there in total after 10
stops?
Solution:
ˆ a = 2 (first term)

ˆ d = 1 (common difference)

ˆ Number of terms n = 10

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
10
S10 = (2(2) + 1(10 − 1)) = 5 (4 + 9) = 5 × 13 = 65
2
Answer: There are 65 passenger cars in total after 10 stops.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Solution
Problem 3
Calculate the total number of pages read over 30 days if a student reads 2
pages on Day 1, 4 pages on Day 2, and so on, increasing by 2 pages daily.
Solution:
ˆ a = 2 (first term)

ˆ Common difference d = 2

ˆ Number of terms n = 30

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
30
S30 = (2(2) + 2(30 − 1)) = 15 (4 + 58) = 15 × 62 = 930
2
Answer: The student reads a total of 930 pages over 30 days.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Geometric Series Practice Solutions

Solution
Problem 1
Calculate the sum of the first 8 terms of 5, 15, 45, . . ..
Solution:
ˆ a = 5 (first term)

ˆ Common ratio r = 15
5
=3

ˆ Number of terms n = 8

Using the sum formula:

rn − 1
Sn = a
r−1
38 − 1 6561 − 1 6560
S8 = 5 =5 =5× = 5 × 3280 = 16400
3−1 2 2
Answer: The sum of the first 8 terms is 16,400.

Solution
Problem 2
A person saves $50 in the first month, $100 in the second, $200 in the
third, and so on. How much do they save in total over 12 months?
Solution:
ˆ a = 50 (first term)

ˆ Common ratio r = 100

50
=2

ˆ Number of terms n = 12

Using the sum formula:

rn − 1
Sn = a
r−1
212 − 1
S12 = 50 = 50(4096 − 1) = 50 × 4095 = 204750
2−1
Answer: The person saves a total of $204,750 over 12 months.

Solution
Problem 3
A virus spreads such that each infected person infects 4 others. Starting
with 1 infected person, how many people are infected in total after 6
generations?

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Solution:
ˆ a = 1 (first term)

ˆ Common ratio r = 4

ˆ Number of terms n = 6

Using the sum formula:

rn − 1
Sn = a
r−1
46 − 1 4096 − 1 4095
S6 = 1 = = = 1365
4−1 3 3
Answer: A total of 1,365 people are infected after 6 generations.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Solutions to Unique Problems

Arithmetic Series Unique Problems Solutions

Solution
Problem 1
A staircase has steps of increasing height: the first step is 6 cm, the second
is 9 cm, the third is 12 cm, and so on. How much total height does a person
climb after ascending 20 steps?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 6 cm

ˆ Common difference d = 9 − 6 = 3 cm

ˆ Number of terms n = 20

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
20
S20 = (2(6) + 3(20 − 1)) = 10 (12 + 57) = 10 × 69 = 690 cm
2
Answer: The person climbs a total of 690 cm.

Solution
Problem 2
An athlete runs 2 km on Day 1, 3.5 km on Day 2, 5 km on Day 3, and so
on. How far does the athlete run in total over the first 10 days?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 2 km

ˆ Common difference d = 3.5 − 2 = 1.5 km

ˆ Number of terms n = 10

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
10
S10 = (2(2) + 1.5(10 − 1)) = 5 (4 + 13.5) = 5 × 17.5 = 87.5 km
2
Answer: The athlete runs a total of 87.5 km over 10 days.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Solution
Problem 3
A gardener plants 10 flowers on the first day, 15 flowers on the second day,
20 flowers on the third day, and continues this pattern. How many flowers
does the gardener plant in total over 12 days?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 10 flowers

ˆ Common difference d = 15 − 10 = 5 flowers

ˆ Number of terms n = 12

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
12
S12 =(2(10) + 5(12 − 1)) = 6 (20 + 55) = 6 × 75 = 450 flowers
2
Answer: The gardener plants a total of 450 flowers over 12 days.

Solution
Problem 4
A savings account deposits $100 on the first day, $150 on the second day,
$200 on the third day, and so on, increasing by $50 each day. What is the
total amount saved after 30 days?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 100 dollars

ˆ Common difference d = 150 − 100 = 50 dollars

ˆ Number of terms n = 30

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
30
S30 = (2(100) + 50(30 − 1)) = 15 (200 + 1450) = 15 × 1650 = 24750 dollars
2
Answer: The total amount saved after 30 days is $24,750.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Geometric Series Unique Problems Solutions

Solution
Problem 1
A ball is dropped from a height of 8 meters and bounces back to half its
height each time. What is the total distance the ball travels before coming
to rest?
Solution: Assuming the ball bounces indefinitely, the total distance includes the
initial drop and all subsequent upward and downward movements.
ˆ First drop: 8 meters

ˆ Each bounce: Up and down, each being half the previous height.

ˆ This forms a geometric series for the bounces: 4, 4, 2, 2, 1, 1, . . .

Total distance S:
S = 8 + 2 × (4 + 2 + 1 + . . . )
The infinite geometric series inside the parentheses has:
1
a = 4, r=
2
Sum of infinite geometric series:
a 4
S∞ = = 1 =8
1−r 1− 2

Thus,
S = 8 + 2 × 8 = 24 meters
Answer: The total distance the ball travels is 24 meters.

Solution
Problem 2
A company distributes digital coupons starting with 5 customers on Day
1. Each customer shares the coupon with 3 new people daily. How many
total coupons are distributed after 7 days?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 5 coupons

ˆ Common ratio r = 3

ˆ Number of terms n = 7

Using the sum formula:

rn − 1
Sn = a
r−1

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

37 − 1 2187 − 1 2186
S7 = 5 =5 =5× = 5 × 1093 = 5465
3−1 2 2
Answer: A total of 5,465 coupons are distributed after 7 days.

Solution
Problem 3
An investment account offers a 5% annual interest rate, compounded an-
nually. If $1,000 is invested, what will be the total amount in the account
after 10 years?
Solution: This is a geometric series where each term represents the amount after
each year.
ˆ First term a = 1000 dollars

ˆ Common ratio r = 1 + 0.05 = 1.05

ˆ Number of terms n = 10

Using the sum formula:

1.0510 − 1 1.628894626 − 1 0.628894626

S10 = 1000 = 1000× = 1000× = 1000×12.57789252 = 12577.8
1.05 − 1 0.05 0.05
Answer: The total amount in the account after 10 years is $12,577.89.

Solution
Problem 4
A light bulb’s brightness doubles every 2 years. If a bulb has an initial
brightness of 100 lumens, what will be its brightness after 10 years?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 100 lumens

ˆ Common ratio r = 2 (brightness doubles)

ˆ Number of terms n = 10
2
+ 1 = 6 (including the initial term)

Using the formula for the n-th term:

F (n) = a · rn−1

F (6) = 100 · 26−1 = 100 · 32 = 3200 lumens

Answer: The bulb’s brightness after 10 years is 3,200 lumens.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Solutions to Unique Problems

Arithmetic Series Unique Problems Solutions

Solution
Problem 1
A staircase has steps of increasing height: the first step is 6 cm, the second
is 9 cm, the third is 12 cm, and so on. How much total height does a person
climb after ascending 20 steps?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 6 cm

ˆ Common difference d = 9 − 6 = 3 cm

ˆ Number of terms n = 20

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
20
S20 = (2(6) + 3(20 − 1)) = 10 (12 + 57) = 10 × 69 = 690 cm
2
Answer: The person climbs a total of 690 cm.

Solution
Problem 2
An athlete runs 2 km on Day 1, 3.5 km on Day 2, 5 km on Day 3, and so
on. How far does the athlete run in total over the first 10 days?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 2 km

ˆ Common difference d = 3.5 − 2 = 1.5 km

ˆ Number of terms n = 10

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
10
S10 = (2(2) + 1.5(10 − 1)) = 5 (4 + 13.5) = 5 × 17.5 = 87.5 km
2
Answer: The athlete runs a total of 87.5 km over 10 days.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Geometric Series Unique Problems Solutions

Solution
Problem 1
A ball is dropped from a height of 8 meters and bounces back to half its
height each time. What is the total distance the ball travels before coming
to rest?
Solution: Assuming the ball bounces indefinitely, the total distance includes the
initial drop and all subsequent upward and downward movements.
ˆ First drop: 8 meters

ˆ Each bounce: Up and down, each being half the previous height.

ˆ This forms a geometric series for the bounces: 4, 4, 2, 2, 1, 1, . . .

Total distance S:
S = 8 + 2 × (4 + 2 + 1 + . . . )
The infinite geometric series inside the parentheses has:
1
a = 4, r=
2
Sum of infinite geometric series:
a 4
S∞ = = 1 =8
1−r 1− 2

Thus,
S = 8 + 2 × 8 = 24 meters
Answer: The total distance the ball travels is 24 meters.

Solution
Problem 2
A company distributes digital coupons starting with 5 customers on Day
1. Each customer shares the coupon with 3 new people daily. How many
total coupons are distributed after 7 days?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 5 coupons

ˆ Common ratio r = 3

ˆ Number of terms n = 7

Using the sum formula:

rn − 1
Sn = a
r−1

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

37 − 1 2187 − 1 2186
S7 = 5 =5 =5× = 5 × 1093 = 5465
3−1 2 2
Answer: A total of 5,465 coupons are distributed after 7 days.

Solution
Problem 3
An investment account offers a 5% annual interest rate, compounded an-
nually. If $1,000 is invested, what will be the total amount in the account
after 10 years?
Solution: This is a geometric series where each term represents the amount after
each year.
ˆ First term a = 1000 dollars

ˆ Common ratio r = 1 + 0.05 = 1.05

ˆ Number of terms n = 10

Using the sum formula:

1.0510 − 1 1.628894626 − 1 0.628894626

S10 = 1000 = 1000× = 1000× = 1000×12.57789252 = 12577.8
1.05 − 1 0.05 0.05
Answer: The total amount in the account after 10 years is $12,577.89.

Solution
Problem 4
A light bulb’s brightness doubles every 2 years. If a bulb has an initial
brightness of 100 lumens, what will be its brightness after 10 years?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 100 lumens

ˆ Common ratio r = 2 (brightness doubles)

ˆ Number of terms n = 10
2
+ 1 = 6 (including the initial term)

Using the formula for the n-th term:

F (n) = a · rn−1

F (6) = 100 · 26−1 = 100 · 32 = 3200 lumens

Answer: The bulb’s brightness after 10 years is 3,200 lumens.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Solutions to Unique Problems

Arithmetic Series Unique Problems Solutions

Solution
Problem 1
A staircase has steps of increasing height: the first step is 6 cm, the second
is 9 cm, the third is 12 cm, and so on. How much total height does a person
climb after ascending 20 steps?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 6 cm

ˆ Common difference d = 9 − 6 = 3 cm

ˆ Number of terms n = 20

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
20
S20 = (2(6) + 3(20 − 1)) = 10 (12 + 57) = 10 × 69 = 690 cm
2
Answer: The person climbs a total of 690 cm.

Solution
Problem 2
An athlete runs 2 km on Day 1, 3.5 km on Day 2, 5 km on Day 3, and so
on. How far does the athlete run in total over the first 10 days?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 2 km

ˆ Common difference d = 3.5 − 2 = 1.5 km

ˆ Number of terms n = 10

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
10
S10 = (2(2) + 1.5(10 − 1)) = 5 (4 + 13.5) = 5 × 17.5 = 87.5 km
2
Answer: The athlete runs a total of 87.5 km over 10 days.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Geometric Series Unique Problems Solutions

Solution
Problem 1
A ball is dropped from a height of 8 meters and bounces back to half its
height each time. What is the total distance the ball travels before coming
to rest?
Solution: Assuming the ball bounces indefinitely, the total distance includes the
initial drop and all subsequent upward and downward movements.
ˆ First drop: 8 meters

ˆ Each bounce: Up and down, each being half the previous height.

ˆ This forms a geometric series for the bounces: 4, 4, 2, 2, 1, 1, . . .

Total distance S:
S = 8 + 2 × (4 + 2 + 1 + . . . )
The infinite geometric series inside the parentheses has:
1
a = 4, r=
2
Sum of infinite geometric series:
a 4
S∞ = = 1 =8
1−r 1− 2

Thus,
S = 8 + 2 × 8 = 24 meters
Answer: The total distance the ball travels is 24 meters.

Solution
Problem 2
A company distributes digital coupons starting with 5 customers on Day
1. Each customer shares the coupon with 3 new people daily. How many
total coupons are distributed after 7 days?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 5 coupons

ˆ Common ratio r = 3

ˆ Number of terms n = 7

Using the sum formula:

rn − 1
Sn = a
r−1

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

37 − 1 2187 − 1 2186
S7 = 5 =5 =5× = 5 × 1093 = 5465
3−1 2 2
Answer: A total of 5,465 coupons are distributed after 7 days.

Solution
Problem 3
An investment account offers a 5% annual interest rate, compounded an-
nually. If $1,000 is invested, what will be the total amount in the account
after 10 years?
Solution: This is a geometric series where each term represents the amount after
each year.
ˆ First term a = 1000 dollars

ˆ Common ratio r = 1.05 (since it’s compounded annually at 5%)

ˆ Number of terms n = 10

Using the sum formula:

1.0510 − 1 1.628894626 − 1 0.628894626

S10 = 1000 = 1000× = 1000× = 1000×12.57789252 = 12577.8
1.05 − 1 0.05 0.05
Answer: The total amount in the account after 10 years is $12,577.89.

Solution
Problem 4
A light bulb’s brightness doubles every 2 years. If a bulb has an initial
brightness of 100 lumens, what will be its brightness after 10 years?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 100 lumens

ˆ Common ratio r = 2 (brightness doubles)

ˆ Number of terms n = 10
2
+ 1 = 6 (including the initial term)

Using the formula for the n-th term:

F (n) = a · rn−1

F (6) = 100 · 26−1 = 100 · 32 = 3200 lumens

Answer: The bulb’s brightness after 10 years is 3,200 lumens.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Solutions to Unique Problems

Arithmetic Series Unique Problems Solutions

Solution
Problem 1
A staircase has steps of increasing height: the first step is 6 cm, the second
is 9 cm, the third is 12 cm, and so on. How much total height does a person
climb after ascending 20 steps?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 6 cm

ˆ Common difference d = 9 − 6 = 3 cm

ˆ Number of terms n = 20

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
20
S20 = (2(6) + 3(20 − 1)) = 10 (12 + 57) = 10 × 69 = 690 cm
2
Answer: The person climbs a total of 690 cm.

Solution
Problem 2
An athlete runs 2 km on Day 1, 3.5 km on Day 2, 5 km on Day 3, and so
on. How far does the athlete run in total over the first 10 days?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 2 km

ˆ Common difference d = 3.5 − 2 = 1.5 km

ˆ Number of terms n = 10

Using the sum formula:

n
Sn = (2a + d(n − 1))
2
10
S10 = (2(2) + 1.5(10 − 1)) = 5 (4 + 13.5) = 5 × 17.5 = 87.5 km
2
Answer: The athlete runs a total of 87.5 km over 10 days.

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

Geometric Series Unique Problems Solutions

Solution
Problem 1
A ball is dropped from a height of 8 meters and bounces back to half its
height each time. What is the total distance the ball travels before coming
to rest?
Solution: Assuming the ball bounces indefinitely, the total distance includes the
initial drop and all subsequent upward and downward movements.
ˆ First drop: 8 meters

ˆ Each bounce: Up and down, each being half the previous height.

ˆ This forms a geometric series for the bounces: 4, 4, 2, 2, 1, 1, . . .

Total distance S:
S = 8 + 2 × (4 + 2 + 1 + . . . )
The infinite geometric series inside the parentheses has:
1
a = 4, r=
2
Sum of infinite geometric series:
a 4
S∞ = = 1 =8
1−r 1− 2

Thus,
S = 8 + 2 × 8 = 24 meters
Answer: The total distance the ball travels is 24 meters.

Solution
Problem 2
A company distributes digital coupons starting with 5 customers on Day
1. Each customer shares the coupon with 3 new people daily. How many
total coupons are distributed after 7 days?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 5 coupons

ˆ Common ratio r = 3

ˆ Number of terms n = 7

Using the sum formula:

rn − 1
Sn = a
r−1

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Mastering Arithmetic and Geometric Series January 23, 2025

37 − 1 2187 − 1 2186
S7 = 5 =5 =5× = 5 × 1093 = 5465
3−1 2 2
Answer: A total of 5,465 coupons are distributed after 7 days.

Solution
Problem 3
An investment account offers a 5% annual interest rate, compounded an-
nually. If $1,000 is invested, what will be the total amount in the account
after 10 years?
Solution: This is a geometric series where each term represents the amount after
each year.
ˆ First term a = 1000 dollars

ˆ Common ratio r = 1.05 (since it’s compounded annually at 5%)

ˆ Number of terms n = 10

Using the sum formula:

1.0510 − 1 1.628894626 − 1 0.628894626

S10 = 1000 = 1000× = 1000× = 1000×12.57789252 = 12577.8
1.05 − 1 0.05 0.05
Answer: The total amount in the account after 10 years is $12,577.89.

Solution
Problem 4
A light bulb’s brightness doubles every 2 years. If a bulb has an initial
brightness of 100 lumens, what will be its brightness after 10 years?
Solution:
ˆ First term a = 100 lumens

ˆ Common ratio r = 2 (brightness doubles)

ˆ Number of terms n = 10
2
+ 1 = 6 (including the initial term)

Using the formula for the n-th term:

F (n) = a · rn−1

F (6) = 100 · 26−1 = 100 · 32 = 3200 lumens

Answer: The bulb’s brightness after 10 years is 3,200 lumens.

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