High School · Seeing Structure in Expressions

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.SSE.B.4

Derive the formula for the sum of a finite geometric series (when the common ratio is not 1), and use the formula to solve problems.

Read this standard on the official Common Core site

Lessons that teach this standard

• Geometric Series: The Sum Formula and Loan Payments

  How to derive the sum of a finite geometric series by multiplying by the ratio and subtracting, and how the same sum sets a savings total and a monthly loan payment.

• Infinite Geometric Series: When an Endless Sum Has a Total

  Add all the terms of a geometric sequence: when −1 < r < 1 the sum is a/(1 − r). Use it to turn repeating decimals into fractions and total a bouncing ball's path.

• Proof by Mathematical Induction

  Prove a statement for every positive integer with two steps: check it for n = 1, then show that whenever it holds for k it holds for k + 1.