The total number of fungal spores can be found using an infinite geometric series where a1 = 8 and the common ratio is 4. Find the sum of this infinite series that will be the upper limit of the fungal spores.
The formula for infinite geometric series is equal to a1 / (1-r) where in this problem a1 is equal to 8 and r is equal to 4. In this case, r is not equal to less than 1. This means the sum should be infinity and cannot be determined definitely.
Answer:
This infinite geometric series is divergent and thus we cannot find the sum. The sum is infinity.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are two types of geometric series: convergent and divergent.
The sum of an infinite geometric sequence is given by the formula:
Sum = \(\frac{a}{1-r}\)
Where,
r is the common ratio and
\(|r|<1\)
If absolute value of r is NOT less than 1, then the series is divergent and sum cannot be found.
For our given problem, \(r=4\) , clearly \(|4|=4\) , which is NOT less than 1, so the series is divergent and sum cannot be found.