To prove by induction the formula for

the sum of the first n terms of a

Geometric Series

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Aim

 To prove that Sn is equal to for all

Geometric Series.

 Sn is the sum of the first n terms

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Proof: Step 1, n = 1

 Show that this is true for n = 1

 S1 = =a

and a = T1 the sum of the first 1 terms

 Therefore it is true for n = 1

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Proof: Step 2, n = k

 Let k be some particular value of n and

assume the following is true:

For n = k,

therefore, Sk = (replacing n with k)

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Proof: Step 3, n = k + 1

 Write a statement for k + 1 terms, this is the

statement to be proved: Sk + 1 =

 But Sk + 1 = Sk + Tk + 1

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Proof: Step 3, n = k + 1 continued

 Sk + 1 =

(common denominator: 1 – r)

This proves that Sk + 1 =

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Conclusion

 By showing the results from the

boxed expressions are the same, you have
proved that if the formula is true for k, it is also
true for k + 1

 Since k is just some value for n, step 1 showed it

is true for k = n = 1, therefore it is true for all n.

 Note: n is always a Natural Number

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