SAT SUBJECT TEST MATH LEVEL 2
PART 2
REVIEW OF MAJOR TOPICS
CHAPTER 3
Numbers and Operations

3.4 Sequences and Series
SERIES
In a geometric sequence, if |r| < 1, the sum of the series approaches a limit as n approaches infinity. In the formula the term
Therefore, as long as
, or
EXAMPLES
1. Evaluate (A) and
(B)
Both problems ask the same question: Find the sum of an infinite geometric series.
(A) When the first few terms, , are listed, it can be seen that
and the common ratio
. Therefore,
(B) When the first few terms, , are listed, it can be seen that t1 = 1 and the common ratio
. Therefore,
2. Find the exact value of the repeating decimal 0.4545 . . . .
This can be represented by a geometric series, 0.45 + 0.0045 + 0.000045 + · · · , with t1 = 0.45 and r = 0.01.
Since ,
3. Given the sequence 2, x , y , 9. If the first three terms form an arithmetic sequence and the last three terms form a geometric sequence, find x and y .
From the arithmetic sequence, , substitute to eliminate d.
From the geometric sequence , substitute to eliminate r.
Use the two equations with the * to eliminate y :
Thus, or 4.
Substitute in y = 2x – 2: