The third and fourth terms of a geometric progression are 48 and 32 respectively. Find the sum to infinity of the progression.
Solution
Let the first term be \(a\) and the common ratio be \(r\).
The third term is given by \(ar^2 = 48\).
The fourth term is given by \(ar^3 = 32\).
Divide the second equation by the first to find \(r\):
\(\frac{ar^3}{ar^2} = \frac{32}{48}\)
\(r = \frac{2}{3}\)
Substitute \(r = \frac{2}{3}\) into \(ar^2 = 48\):
\(a \left( \frac{2}{3} \right)^2 = 48\)
\(a \cdot \frac{4}{9} = 48\)
\(a = 108\)
The sum to infinity \(S_\infty\) of a geometric progression is given by:
\(S_\infty = \frac{a}{1 - r}\)
\(S_\infty = \frac{108}{1 - \frac{2}{3}}\)
\(S_\infty = \frac{108}{\frac{1}{3}}\)
\(S_\infty = 324\)
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