Small practice. Bright discoveries.Explore the free starter collection
Back to worksheets
MathsAges 16-18

Geometric series sum

Sum the first n terms of a geometric progression using Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1). Review suitability for your learners before teaching.

New variationTry interactive challengeBrowse templates

Choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy. Use your browser’s paper setting for A4 or Letter.

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Geometric series sum

Take your time. Show your thinking.

  1. 1. Find the sum of the first 3 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 4 and common ratio r = 2.

    LHS=RHS
    3 · 4 · 2 · Geometric series sum
  2. 2. Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 1 and common ratio r = 3.

    LHS=RHS
    4 · 1 · 3 · Geometric series sum
  3. 3. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 8 and common ratio r = 3.

    LHS=RHS
    5 · 8 · 3 · Geometric series sum
  4. 4. Find the sum of the first 3 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 8 and common ratio r = 3.

    LHS=RHS
    3 · 8 · 3 · Geometric series sum
  5. 5. Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 1 and common ratio r = 2.

    LHS=RHS
    4 · 1 · 2 · Geometric series sum
  6. 6. Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 3 and common ratio r = 2.

    LHS=RHS
    4 · 3 · 2 · Geometric series sum
  7. 7. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 6 and common ratio r = 2.

    LHS=RHS
    5 · 6 · 2 · Geometric series sum
  8. 8. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 1 and common ratio r = 2.

    LHS=RHS
    5 · 1 · 2 · Geometric series sum
  9. 9. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 1 and common ratio r = 3.

    LHS=RHS
    5 · 1 · 3 · Geometric series sum
  10. 10. Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 6 and common ratio r = 3.

    LHS=RHS
    4 · 6 · 3 · Geometric series sum
  11. 11. Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 5 and common ratio r = 2.

    LHS=RHS
    4 · 5 · 2 · Geometric series sum
  12. 12. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 4 and common ratio r = 2.

    LHS=RHS
    5 · 4 · 2 · Geometric series sum
12 questions · Seed 48 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification
View the answer key
Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Geometric series sum

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

  1. 1. Find the sum of the first 3 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 4 and common ratio r = 2.

    28

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 4(2^3 − 1) ÷ (2 − 1) = 28.

  2. 2. Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 1 and common ratio r = 3.

    40

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 1(3^4 − 1) ÷ (3 − 1) = 40.

  3. 3. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 8 and common ratio r = 3.

    968

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 8(3^5 − 1) ÷ (3 − 1) = 968.

  4. 4. Find the sum of the first 3 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 8 and common ratio r = 3.

    104

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 8(3^3 − 1) ÷ (3 − 1) = 104.

  5. 5. Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 1 and common ratio r = 2.

    15

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 1(2^4 − 1) ÷ (2 − 1) = 15.

  6. 6. Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 3 and common ratio r = 2.

    45

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 3(2^4 − 1) ÷ (2 − 1) = 45.

  7. 7. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 6 and common ratio r = 2.

    186

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 6(2^5 − 1) ÷ (2 − 1) = 186.

  8. 8. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 1 and common ratio r = 2.

    31

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 1(2^5 − 1) ÷ (2 − 1) = 31.

  9. 9. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 1 and common ratio r = 3.

    121

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 1(3^5 − 1) ÷ (3 − 1) = 121.

  10. 10. Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 6 and common ratio r = 3.

    240

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 6(3^4 − 1) ÷ (3 − 1) = 240.

  11. 11. Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 5 and common ratio r = 2.

    75

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 5(2^4 − 1) ÷ (2 − 1) = 75.

  12. 12. Find the sum of the first 5 terms of the geometric series with first term a = 4 and common ratio r = 2.

    124

    Sₙ = a(rⁿ − 1) ÷ (r − 1) = 4(2^5 − 1) ÷ (2 − 1) = 124.

12 questions · Seed 48 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification