What is the sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric series 32 + 16 + 8 + ... ?

Here we need to use the formula for the sum of a geometric series up to n terms: s = a*(r^n-1)/(r-1). In this formula, 'a' is the first term of the series, 'r' is the common ratio between each consecutive term of the series, and 'n' is the number of terms in the series. We know n = 10, and can see that a = 32. r = 0.5, as each term in the series is half that of the previous term. We input these values into our formula to get: s = 32*(0.5^10-1)/(0.5-1). Inputting this into a calculator, we get the answer s = 63.9 (3 s.f.).

EC
Answered by Eleanor C. Maths tutor

11391 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A circle C has centre (-5, 12) and passes through the point (0,0) Find the second point where the line y=x intersects the circle.


solve the differential equation dy/dx=(3x*exp(4y))/(7+(2x^(2))^(2) when y = 0, x = 2


How do you find the normal to a curve at a given co-ordinate?


Differentiate a^x with respect to x


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning