College Algebra (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32178-228-3
ISBN 13: 978-0-32178-228-1

Chapter 8 - Sequences, Induction, and Probability - Exercise Set 8.3 - Page 742: 107

Answer

False.

Work Step by Step

An infinite geometric series converges if and only if $|r|\lt1$, where $r$ is the common ratio. If it converges, then it equals $\frac{a_1}{1-r}$ where $a_1$ is the first term. The common ratio is the quotient of two consecutive terms: $r=\frac{a_2}{a_1}=\dfrac{-5}{10}=-\frac{1}{2}$, $|-\frac{1}{2}|=\frac{1}{2}\lt1$, thus it converges. Hence the sum (since $a_1=10$): $\dfrac{10}{1-(-\frac{1}{2})}=\dfrac{10}{1+\frac{1}{2}}$, thus the statement is false.
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