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Algebra Difficulty 3.0 AMC 10/12 Find the answer

Suppose in a geometric sequence {an}\{a_n\}, the sum of the first nn terms is SnS_n, and it is given that a1=1a_1=1 and a4=8a_4=8. Find the value of S5S_5.

A number or a short expression. Fractions can be typed as 3/2, and spacing doesn't matter.

Solution

Let's denote the common ratio of the geometric sequence as qq. We also know that a1=1a_1=1 and a4=a1q3=8a_4=a_1q^3=8.

Solving for qq gives us:
8=1q38 = 1 \cdot q^3
Therefore, q=2q = 2.

Now, we can find S5S_5 using the formula for the sum of the first nn terms of a geometric sequence:
S5=a1(q51)q1S_5 = \frac{a_1 \cdot (q^5 - 1)}{q - 1}
Substituting the values of a1a_1 and qq into the formula, we get:
S5=1(251)21=3211=31S_5 = \frac{1 \cdot (2^5 - 1)}{2 - 1} = \frac{32 - 1}{1} = 31

So, the sum of the first five terms of the sequence is 31\boxed{31}.

This solution demonstrates the application of the general formula for the sum of a geometric series and shows knowledge of the formula for the nth term of a geometric series. It is a basic problem type that tests understanding of geometric sequences.

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Source: NuminaMath-1.5, licensed Apache-2.0. Statement and solution reproduced as published; topic and difficulty added by this site.