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Expert: Steve Holleran - 5/22/2008


Question
Hi Steve,
Could you help me confirm the sum of this series
4/3-4/3^2+4/3^3-4/3^4+....
thanks!

Answer
Hi Vince,

Okay, so we've got an infinite geometric series with first term a = 4/3

and ratio r = -1/3.  Using the formula for the sum, S(inf) = a/(1-r),

we have S(inf) = (4/3) / [1- (-1/3)] = (4/3) / (4/3) = 1.

I'm pretty sure that's all there is to it.

Steve

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Steve Holleran

Expertise

I can help with all math questions from basic math to Calculus. Whether it`s consumer questions, or questions from high school or college students, I have probably dealt with it at some time in my career.

Experience

33 years teaching experience in NJ public schools

Education/Credentials
B.S. Mathematics : Wake Forest University 1972 M.S. Mathematics : Monmouth University 1981

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