Answer
By dividing any latter term by its former we can get the common ration (r). $-2 \div 10 = -0.2$ or $\frac{-1}{5}$
Note: |$\frac{-1}{5}|\lt1 $ which means that this geometric series will converge.
Now, use the formula from definition 4 in page 750 , knowing that $a$ refers to the first term which is $10$ and using the calculated r and we get
$S= \frac{a}{1-r}$ = $\frac{10}{1-\frac{-1}{5}} = \frac{10}{\frac{6}{5}} = \frac{25}{3}$
Result: the series converges and its sum is $\frac{25}{3}$ .
Work Step by Step
We look at the ratio change from term to term we find that (Same as exercise 17 and 18) :
Dividing any latter term by its former we can get the common ration ($r$). $-2 \div 10 = -0.2$ or $\frac{-1}{5}$ . Also, $0.4\div -2 =-0.2$ .
Note that |$\frac{-1}{5}|\lt1 $ which means that this geometric series will converge.
Now, use the formula from definition 4 in page 750 , knowing that $a$ refers to the first term which is $10$ and using the calculated $r$ and we get
$S= \frac{a}{1-r}$ = $\frac{10}{1-\frac{-1}{5}} = \frac{10}{\frac{6}{5}} = \frac{25}{3}$
Result: the series converges and its sum is $\frac{25}{3}$ .