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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the series is true?
A
The series diverges to infinity.
B
The series converges to .
C
The series converges to .
D
The series does not have a limit.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Recognize that the given series is a geometric series. A geometric series has the form \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} ar^{n-1} \), where \( a \) is the first term and \( r \) is the common ratio.
Step 2: Identify the first term \( a \) and the common ratio \( r \) for the given series \( \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{2^n} \). Here, \( a = \frac{1}{2} \) (the first term when \( n = 1 \)) and \( r = \frac{1}{2} \) (the ratio between consecutive terms).
Step 3: Recall the formula for the sum of an infinite geometric series: \( S = \frac{a}{1 - r} \), where \( |r| < 1 \). This formula applies because the common ratio \( r = \frac{1}{2} \) satisfies \( |r| < 1 \).
Step 4: Substitute \( a = \frac{1}{2} \) and \( r = \frac{1}{2} \) into the formula \( S = \frac{a}{1 - r} \). This will give the sum of the series.
Step 5: Conclude that the series converges because the sum exists and is finite. Compare the calculated sum to the given options to determine the correct statement about the series.