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c \( \sum_{r=1}^{n} 3 \cdot 2^{r-1}=381 \)

Ask by Mathis Griffin. in South Africa
Jan 26,2025

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Answer

\( n = 7 \)

Solution

To solve the equation: \[ \sum_{r=1}^{n} 3 \cdot 2^{r-1} = 381 \] Let's break it down step by step. ### Step 1: Understand the Summation The summation can be expressed as: \[ 3 \cdot (2^0 + 2^1 + 2^2 + \dots + 2^{n-1}) \] This is a geometric series where: - **First term (a)** = \(2^0 = 1\) - **Common ratio (r)** = 2 - **Number of terms** = \(n\) ### Step 2: Use the Formula for the Sum of a Geometric Series The sum \(S\) of the first \(n\) terms of a geometric series is: \[ S = a \cdot \frac{r^n - 1}{r - 1} \] Plugging in the values: \[ 2^0 + 2^1 + 2^2 + \dots + 2^{n-1} = \frac{2^n - 1}{2 - 1} = 2^n - 1 \] ### Step 3: Apply the Sum to the Original Equation Substitute the sum back into the original equation: \[ 3 \cdot (2^n - 1) = 381 \] Divide both sides by 3: \[ 2^n - 1 = 127 \] Add 1 to both sides: \[ 2^n = 128 \] ### Step 4: Solve for \(n\) Recognize that \(128\) is a power of 2: \[ 2^7 = 128 \] Therefore, \[ n = 7 \] ### **Answer** The value of \( n \) that satisfies the equation is **7**.

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Bonus Knowledge

The summation you have here resembles a geometric series! Specifically, the sum \( \sum_{r=1}^{n} 3 \cdot 2^{r-1} \) can be simplified using the formula for the sum of a geometric series. You can factor out the constant \(3\) and recognize that the series is based on powers of \(2\), which gives you \(3 \cdot \left( \frac{2^n - 1}{2 - 1} \right)\). Simplifying that leads to \(3(2^n - 1) = 381\). Once you solve for \(2^n\), you can isolate \(n\) to find its value. Cool, right? You just unlocked the secrets of geometric progressions! If you apply this in the real world, you’ll often come across geometric sequences in finance (like compound interest), computer science (exponential growth in algorithms), and even biology (bacterial growth). Understanding these concepts can help you make better predictions and decisions based on growth patterns in various contexts!

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