The nth term of a geometric sequence can be written

a(n) = a(1)*r^(n-1)

We can rewrite the two given equations:

a(2) + a(4) = 30 = a(1)*r + a(1)*r^3 (Equation 1)
a(3) + a(5) = 15 = a(1)*r^2 + a(1)*r^4 (Equation 2)

Notice that Equation 1 can be substituted into Equation 2, i.e.,

a(1)*r^2 + a(1)*r^4 = 15
r*[a(1)*r + a(1)*r^3] = 15
r*(30) = 15
r = 1/2

If we substitute this into Equation 1, we have

a(1)/2 + a(1)/8 = 30
a(1) = 30 * 8/5 = 48

The answer is 48. Did he even need to specify that the sum exists? It's a finite geometric sequence so surely it's impossible for the sum not to exist? If you want to stop me old man, ask me the most basic combinatorics question you can think of and I'll start foaming at the mouth.

Thanks for verifying my answer, Elpam!

Sauce: The Last Adventurer, Ch. 103

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 5 points 10 months ago (1 child)

To clarify, this is not A * 2 but rather the 2nd Term of A, hope that helps clarify any potential confusion.

  • source
  • hideshow 1 child comment