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$$\sum_{k=0}^nq^k = \frac{1-q^{n+1}}{1-q}$$

I want to prove this by induction. Here's what I have.

$$\frac{1-q^{n+1}}{1-q} + q^{n+1} = \frac{1-q^{n+1}+q^{n+1}(1-q)}{1-q}$$

I wanted to factor a $q^{n+1}$ out of the second expression but that 1- is screwing it up...

furashu
  • 483

2 Answers2

3

$$1 - q^{n+1} + q^{n+1}(1-q) = 1 - q^{n+1}(1 - (1-q)) = 1 - (q^{n+1} \cdot q) = \cdots $$

2

Did you try expanding the numerator? You have $1-q^{n+1}+q^{n+1}-q^{n+2}$..

  • Can you please help me with this one? http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/2177377/forall-x-in-mathbbz-x-neq-1-implies-left-forall-n-in-mathbbn?noredirect=1#comment4478886_2177377 – HKT Mar 08 '17 at 11:33
  • I don't know how to factor it ending up with $\frac{x^{k+1}-1}{x-1}$. – HKT Mar 08 '17 at 11:34