Question 32

The sum of an infinite geometric series of real numbers is 14, and the sum of the cubes of the terms of this series is 392. The first term of the series is

Let the first term of the infinite G.P. be a and the common ratio be r.

So, Sum of infinite GP= $$\ \frac{\ a}{1-r}=14$$ .............. (1)

The cubes of the terms of original GP= $$a^3,\ \left(ar\right)^3,\ \left(ar^2\right)^3...$$= $$a^3,\ a^3r^3,\ a^3r^6...$$

So, in the new infinite GP, first term is $$a^3$$ and the common ratio is $$r^3$$

Therefore, sum to infinite terms= $$\frac{\ a^3\ }{1-r^3}$$ ...............(2)

Cubing the eqn 1 and dividing by eqn 2, we get,

$$\frac{\ \frac{\ a^3}{\left(1-r\right)^3}\ }{\ \frac{\ a^3}{1-r^3}}=\ \ \frac{\ 14\times\ 14\times\ 14}{392}$$

=>$$\ \frac{1-r^3\ }{\left(1-r\right)^3}\ =\ \ \frac{\ 14\times\ 14\times\ 14}{392}$$

=> $$\ \frac{\left(1-r\right)\left(1+r^2+r\right)}{\left(1-r\right)^3}\ =\ \ \ 7$$

=>$$\ \frac{\left(1+r^2+r\right)}{\left(1-r\right)^2}\ =\ \ \ 7$$

=> $$\ \left(1+r^2+r\right)\ =\ \ 7\left(1+r^2-2r\right)$$

=>$$\ 1+r^2+r\ =\ \ 7+7r^2-14r$$

=>$$\ -6-6r^2+15r\ =\ 0$$

=>$$2r^2-5r+2\ =\ 0$$

=>$$2r^2-4r-r+2\ =\ 0$$

=>$$2r\left(r-2\right)-1\left(r-2\right)=0$$

=>(2r-1)(r-2)=0

.'.r= 1/2 or 2.

In the case of infinite GP, -1 < r < 1.

So, r = 1/2

Putting this value in eqn 1, we get,

$$\ \frac{\ a}{1-\ \frac{\ 1}{2}}=14$$

2a=14

a = 7

Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Get AI Help

Video Solution

video

Create a FREE account and get:

  • All Quant Formulas and shortcuts PDF
  • 40+ previous papers with solutions PDF
  • Top 500 MBA exam Solved Questions for Free

PGDBA Quant Questions | PGDBA Quantitative Ability

PGDBA DILR Questions | LRDI Questions For PGDBA

PGDBA Verbal Ability Questions | VARC Questions For PGDBA

Related Formulas With Tests

Book Free CAT Mentorship

Get personalized CAT strategy from a 99%iler

500+ students mentored
CAT mentor

50,000+ JEE Students Trusted Our Score Calculator

Predict your JEE Main percentile, rank & performance in seconds

Ask AI