1962 AMC 12 Problem 14

Attempt Problem 14 of the 1962 AMC 12 below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 1962 AMC 12 solutions, or check the answer key.

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14.

Let ss be the limiting sum of the geometric series 4−83+169−⋯ ,4-\dfrac83+\dfrac{16}{9}-\cdots, as the number of terms increases without bound. Then ss equals:
a number between 00 and 11
2.42.4
2.52.5
3.63.6
1212
Answer: B
Concepts:geometric sequencesummation
Small hint:
Find the ratio of the second term to the first
Big hint:
Use a1−r\frac{a}{1-r} because the ratio has absolute value less than 11
Solution:
The first term is 44 and the common ratio is −23.-\frac{2}{3}. Thus s=41−(−23)=125=2.4. s=\frac4{1-(-\frac{2}{3})}=\frac{12}{5}=2.4.
Therefore, the correct answer is B.
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