Geometric Progression Sum

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Geometric Progression Sum

\[S_n = a_1 * (1 - r^n) / (1 - r)\]

Variables

Sn = sum of terms
a1 = first term
r = common ratio
n = number of terms

Description

What is this formula?

This formula computes the sum of a geometric progression.


When to use it

When dealing with exponential growth or decay series.


Example

a1=2, r=3, n=3 → Sn=2*(1-27)/(1-3)=26


Applications

Finance, physics, computer science.


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