Suppose in a geometric sequence , the sum of the first terms is , and it is given that and . Find the value of .
Solution
Let's denote the common ratio of the geometric sequence as . We also know that and .
Solving for gives us:
Therefore, .
Now, we can find using the formula for the sum of the first terms of a geometric sequence:
Substituting the values of and into the formula, we get:
So, the sum of the first five terms of the sequence is .
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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