Arithmetico Geometric Series: Definition & Examples

Arithmetico Geometric Series: Definition & Examples

Edited By Komal Miglani | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:45 PM IST

Before learning the Arithmetic-Geometric Progression, let's revise the concept of sequence. A sequence is formed when terms are written in order such that they follow a particular pattern. Understanding AGP involves understanding the different principles of AP and GP. In real life, AGP is applicable in areas such as population dynamics, algorithms, etc.

Arithmetico Geometric Series: Definition & Examples
Arithmetico Geometric Series: Definition & Examples

Arithmetic-Geometric Progression

Arithmetico-geometric progression is the combination of arithmetic and geometric series. This series is formed by taking the product of the corresponding elements of arithmetic and geometric progressions. In short form, it is written as A.G.P (Arithmetico-Geometric Progression).

Wherein-

An arithmetic progression is a sequence in which each term increases or decreases by a constant term or fixed number. This fixed number is called the common difference of an AP and is generally denoted by ' $d$ '.

A geometric progression or geometric sequence is a sequence where the first term is non-zero and the ratio between consecutive terms is always constant. The 'constant factor' is called the common ratio and is denoted by ' $r$ '. $r$ is also a non-zero number.

Properties of A.M. and G.M

A and G are arithmetic and geometric mean of ' $a$ ' and ' $b$ ', two real, positive and distinct number. Then,

  • $a$ and $b$ are the roots of the equation $x^2-2 A x+G^2=0$.

  • a and b are given by $A \pm \sqrt{(A+G)(A-G)}$.

Proof:

$
\begin{aligned}
& A=\frac{a+b}{2} \Rightarrow 2 A=a+b \\
& G=\sqrt{a b} \Rightarrow G^2=a b
\end{aligned}
$

$a$ and $b$ are the roots of the equation, then

$
\begin{aligned}
& x^2-2(\text { sum of roots }) x+\text { products of roots }=0 \\
& \Rightarrow x^2-(a+b)+a b=0 \\
& \Rightarrow x^2-2 A x+G^2=0
\end{aligned}
$

Roots of the equation are

$
\begin{aligned}
& x=\frac{2 A \pm \sqrt{(-2 A)^2-4 \cdot 1 \cdot G^2}}{2} \\
& x=A \pm \sqrt{(A+G)(A-G)}
\end{aligned}
$

Let the given AP be $a,(a+d),(a+2 d),(a+3 d)$, $\qquad$
And, the GP is $1, r, r^2, r^3$, $\qquad$
Multiplying the corresponding elements of the above progression, we get, $a,(a+d) r,(a+2 d) r^2,(a+3 d) r^3, \ldots \ldots$

This is a standard Arithmetico-Geometric Progression.
Eg: $1,3 x, 5 x^2, 7 x^3, 9 x^4, \ldots \ldots$

The sum of n-terms of an Arithmetic-Geometric Progression

Let $S_n$ denote the sum of $n$ terms of a given sequence. Then,

$
\mathrm{S}_{\mathrm{n}}=a+(a+d) r+(a+2 d) r^2+\ldots \ldots+(a+(n-1) d) r^{n-1}
$

Multiply both side of eq (i) by ' r '

$
r \mathrm{~S}_{\mathrm{n}}=a r+(a+d) r^2+(a+2 d) r^3+\ldots+(a+(n-1) d) r^n
$

Subtract eq (ii) from eq (i)

$
\begin{aligned}
& (1-r) \mathrm{S}_{\mathrm{n}}=a+\left[d r+d r^2+d r^3+\ldots .+d r^{n-1}\right]-[a+(n-1) d] r^n \\
& \Rightarrow(1-r) \mathrm{S}_{\mathrm{n}}=a+d r\left(\frac{1-r^{n-1}}{1-r}\right)-[a+(n-1) d] r^n \\
& \Rightarrow \mathbf{S}_{\mathbf{n}}=\frac{\mathbf{a}}{\mathbf{1 - r}}+\mathbf{d r}\left(\frac{\mathbf{1}-\mathbf{r}^{\mathbf{n}-\mathbf{1}}}{(\mathbf{1}-\mathbf{r})^{\mathbf{2}}}\right)-\frac{[\mathbf{a}+(\mathbf{n}-\mathbf{1}) \mathbf{d}] \mathbf{r}^{\mathbf{n}}}{\mathbf{1}-\mathbf{r}}
\end{aligned}
$

The sum of infinte terms of an Arithmetic-Geometric Progression:

The infinite terms can not be solved mentally, so we will have to find a general approach.

Let's denote the AGP by: $a,(a+d) r,(a+2 d) r^2,(a+3 d) r^3, \ldots$
Here, $a$ is the first term of the arithmetic progression, $d$ is the common difference of the arithmetic progression, and $r$ is the common ratio of the geometric progression.

To find the sum of the infinite AGP, we can use the following formula:

$
S=\frac{a}{1-r}+\frac{d r}{(1-r)^2}
$

This is the sum of an infinite arithmetic-geometric progression.

Recommended Video Based on Arithmetico Geometric Progression


Solved Example Based on Arithmetico Geometric Progression

Example 1: $1+3+7+15+31+ . . . . .$ $\qquad$ to $n$ terms
1) $2^{n+1}-n$
2) $2^{n+1}-n-2$
3) $2^n-n-2$
4) None of these

Solution
$
\begin{aligned}
& S_n=1+3+7+15+31+\ldots \ldots+T_n \\
& S_n=\qquad1+3+7+\ldots \ldots \ldots \ldots \ldots+T_{n-1}+T_n
\end{aligned}
$

Subtracting

$
\begin{aligned}
& 0=1+2+4+8 \ldots(\text { nterms })-T_n \\
& T_n=1 \times \frac{\left(2^n-1\right)}{2-1} \\
& =\left(2^n-1\right) \\
& S_n=\sum_1^n T_n=\sum_1^n 2^n-\sum_1^n 1 \\
& =2\left(2^n-1\right)-n \\
& =2^{n+1}-(n+2)
\end{aligned}
$

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Example 2 : S is the sum of the first 9 terms $(x+k a)+\left(x^2+(k+2) a\right)+\left(x^3+(k+4) a\right)+\left(x^4+(k+6) a\right)+\ldots$ where $a \neq 0$ and $x \neq 1$.If $S=\frac{x^{10}-x+45 a(x-1)}{x-1}$ then k is
1) 3
2) 2
3) -3
4) -5

Solution
$
\begin{aligned}
& S=(x+k a)+\left(x^2+(k+2) a\right)+\left(x^3+(k+4) a\right)+\left(x^4+(k+6) a\right)+\ldots \\
& =\left(x+x^2+x^3+---x^9\right)+a(k+(k+2)+(k+4)+\cdots(k+16))
\end{aligned}
$
First series is GP and second series becomes an AP after separ ating k terms .So,

$
=\frac{x\left(x^9-1\right)}{(x-1)}+a[9 k+72]
$
Now, comparing this with

$
S=\frac{x^{10}-x+45 a(x-1)}{x-1}
$
$
\begin{aligned}
& \therefore 9 k+72=45 \\
& k+8=5 \\
& k=-3
\end{aligned}
$

Example 3 : Which of the following is not an AGP?
1) $1,2 x, 3 x^2, 4 x^3$
2) $1,1,3 / 4,1 / 2,5 / 16 \ldots$.
3) $3 a, 5 a^2, 7 a^3$
4) $1,3.2^2, 4.2^3, 5.2^4$

Solution

Options 1 and 3 are AGP
In Option 2, terms can be written as $1,2 / 2,3 / 4,4 / 8,5 / 16 \ldots$ so it is an AGP Option 4 is wrong, as for it to an AGP, the first term should have been 2.2 $(=4)$

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

Example 4: What is the sum of the first 10 terms of $1.2+2.2^2+3.2^3+\ldots .$.
1) $11.2^{11}+2$
2) $9.2^{11}+2$
3) $11.2^{11}-2$
4) $9.2^{11}-2$

Solution
$
S=1.2+2.2^2+3.2^3+\ldots .10 .2^{10}
$
As the common ratio of the corresponding GP is 2 , so

$
2 S=\quad 1.2^2+2.2^3+\ldots \ldots \ldots \ldots \ldots . .10 .2^{11}
$
Subtracting these equations

$
\begin{aligned}
& -S=1\left(2+2^2+2^3+\ldots . .+2^{10}\right)-10.2^{11} \\
& S=10.2^{11}-\left(2+2^2+2^3+\ldots . .+2^{10}\right) \\
& S=10.2^{11}-2\left(2^{10}-1\right) \\
& \quad=10.2^{11}-2^{11}+2=9.2^{11}+2
\end{aligned}
$
Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
An Arithmetico-Geometric sequence is a combination of arithmetic and geometric sequences. Each term is formed by multiplying the corresponding term of an arithmetic sequence by the corresponding term of a geometric sequence.
2. How is the general term of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence derived?
The general term of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence is derived by combining the general terms of arithmetic and geometric sequences. It is given by an = (a + (n-1)d)rⁿ⁻¹, where 'a' is the first term, 'd' is the common difference of the arithmetic sequence, and 'r' is the common ratio of the geometric sequence.
3. What are the key components of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
The key components are: the first term (a), the common difference of the arithmetic sequence (d), and the common ratio of the geometric sequence (r). These three elements define the behavior of the sequence.
4. How does an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence differ from a pure arithmetic or geometric sequence?
An Arithmetico-Geometric sequence combines properties of both arithmetic and geometric sequences. Unlike pure arithmetic or geometric sequences, it doesn't have a constant difference or constant ratio between consecutive terms.
5. Can you explain the significance of 'n' in the general term formula of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
In the formula an = (a + (n-1)d)rⁿ⁻¹, 'n' represents the position of the term in the sequence. It determines both the arithmetic progression part (n-1) and the geometric progression part (n-1 in the exponent of r).
6. How do you find the sum of an Arithmetico-Geometric series?
The sum of an Arithmetico-Geometric series can be found using the formula: Sn = (a/1-r) + (d/1-r)[(1-rⁿ)/(1-r) - n], where 'a' is the first term, 'd' is the common difference, 'r' is the common ratio, and 'n' is the number of terms.
7. What happens to an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence if the common ratio (r) is 1?
If the common ratio (r) is 1, the geometric part becomes constant, and the sequence reduces to an arithmetic sequence. The general term simplifies to an = a + (n-1)d, which is the formula for an arithmetic sequence.
8. How does changing the common difference (d) affect an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
Changing the common difference (d) affects the arithmetic part of the sequence. A larger positive d will cause the terms to increase more rapidly, while a negative d will cause them to decrease. The effect is then multiplied by the geometric part.
9. What role does the first term (a) play in an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
The first term (a) serves as the starting point for both the arithmetic and geometric parts of the sequence. It's multiplied by the geometric part and added to the arithmetic part in each term, significantly influencing the overall behavior of the sequence.
10. Can an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence have negative terms?
Yes, an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence can have negative terms. This can occur if the first term is negative, if the common difference leads to negative arithmetic terms, or if the common ratio is negative and raised to odd powers.
11. How does the behavior of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence change as n approaches infinity?
The behavior as n approaches infinity depends on the common ratio (r). If |r| < 1, the sequence converges to zero. If |r| > 1, the sequence diverges. If r = 1, it behaves like an arithmetic sequence. If r = -1, it oscillates between two values.
12. What is the relationship between consecutive terms in an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
Unlike arithmetic or geometric sequences, there's no constant relationship between consecutive terms. The relationship is given by: an+1 = (an + d)r, where an is the nth term, d is the common difference, and r is the common ratio.
13. How can you determine if a given sequence is Arithmetico-Geometric?
To determine if a sequence is Arithmetico-Geometric, check if the ratio of the difference between consecutive terms to the previous term forms a geometric sequence. If it does, the original sequence is Arithmetico-Geometric.
14. What happens to an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence if the common difference (d) is zero?
If the common difference (d) is zero, the arithmetic part becomes constant, and the sequence reduces to a geometric sequence. The general term simplifies to an = arⁿ⁻¹, which is the formula for a geometric sequence.
15. Can an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence be increasing and then decreasing?
Yes, an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence can increase and then decrease. This behavior depends on the interplay between the arithmetic and geometric parts. For example, if r < 1 and d > 0, the sequence might initially increase due to the arithmetic part, but eventually decrease due to the geometric part.
16. How does the common ratio (r) affect the rate of growth or decay of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
The common ratio (r) significantly affects the rate of growth or decay. If |r| > 1, it causes exponential growth. If 0 < |r| < 1, it causes decay. The larger |r| is, the more rapid the growth or decay. The effect is modulated by the arithmetic part.
17. What is the significance of the formula (1-rⁿ)/(1-r) in the sum of an Arithmetico-Geometric series?
The formula (1-rⁿ)/(1-r) represents the sum of the first n terms of a geometric sequence with common ratio r. It appears in the sum formula for Arithmetico-Geometric series because the series combines both arithmetic and geometric elements.
18. How can you find a specific term in an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence without calculating all previous terms?
You can find a specific term directly using the general term formula: an = (a + (n-1)d)rⁿ⁻¹. By plugging in the values of a, d, r, and the desired n, you can calculate any term without computing the previous ones.
19. What is the effect of reversing the signs of both d and r in an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
Reversing the signs of both d and r will change the direction of both the arithmetic and geometric parts. This will alter the sequence's behavior, potentially changing increasing terms to decreasing ones and vice versa, while maintaining some structural similarities.
20. How does an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence behave if |r| is very close to 1?
If |r| is very close to 1, the geometric part of the sequence changes very slowly. The behavior will be dominated by the arithmetic part, making the sequence behave similarly to an arithmetic sequence, especially in the early terms.
21. Can an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence have a finite sum for an infinite number of terms?
Yes, an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence can have a finite sum for an infinite number of terms if |r| < 1. In this case, the sequence converges, and the sum formula can be extended to infinity, giving a finite result.
22. How does the choice of a, d, and r affect the oscillation of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
The oscillation depends primarily on r. If r is negative, the sequence will oscillate. The magnitude of oscillation is influenced by |r|, while a and d affect the central value around which the oscillation occurs. Larger |d| increases the amplitude of oscillation over time.
23. What is the relationship between the arithmetic and geometric parts in terms of dominance as the sequence progresses?
In the early terms, the arithmetic part (a + (n-1)d) often dominates. As n increases, the geometric part (rⁿ⁻¹) becomes more significant. If |r| > 1, the geometric part eventually dominates. If |r| < 1, the arithmetic part becomes more influential in later terms.
24. How can you determine the nature of convergence or divergence of an Arithmetico-Geometric series?
The nature of convergence or divergence is primarily determined by the common ratio r. If |r| < 1, the series converges. If |r| > 1, it diverges. If r = 1, it behaves like an arithmetic series. If r = -1, convergence depends on the behavior of the arithmetic part.
25. What is the significance of the partial sum formula in understanding Arithmetico-Geometric series?
The partial sum formula, Sn = (a/1-r) + (d/1-r)[(1-rⁿ)/(1-r) - n], allows us to calculate the sum of any number of terms without adding them individually. It reveals how the sum grows with n and helps in analyzing the series' long-term behavior.
26. How does an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence behave if d and (r-1) have opposite signs?
If d and (r-1) have opposite signs, there's a competition between the arithmetic and geometric parts. The sequence might initially move in one direction due to the dominant early influence of d, but later reverse direction as the geometric part (determined by r) becomes more significant.
27. Can you explain the concept of the limit of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
The limit of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence as n approaches infinity depends on r. If |r| < 1, the limit is a/(1-r) + d/((1-r)²). If |r| ≥ 1, the sequence doesn't have a finite limit unless r = 1 and d = 0, in which case it's constant.
28. How does the behavior of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence differ when r is slightly less than 1 versus slightly greater than 1?
When r is slightly less than 1, the sequence eventually decreases, with the geometric part causing a slow decay. When r is slightly greater than 1, the sequence eventually increases, with the geometric part causing slow growth. The early terms may behave similarly, but long-term behavior differs significantly.
29. What is the importance of the quantity (a + d/1-r) in an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
The quantity (a + d/1-r) represents the limit of the sequence when |r| < 1. It combines the initial value (a), the arithmetic growth (d), and the geometric decay (1-r), providing insight into the long-term behavior of the sequence.
30. How can you use the properties of Arithmetico-Geometric sequences to model real-world phenomena?
Arithmetico-Geometric sequences can model phenomena that combine linear and exponential growth or decay. For example, they can represent population growth with both constant addition (immigration) and percentage increase (birth rate), or financial scenarios with fixed deposits and compound interest.
31. What happens to an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence if both d and (r-1) approach zero?
As both d and (r-1) approach zero, the sequence becomes nearly constant. The arithmetic part (d) contributes minimal change, while the geometric part (r) multiplies terms by a value very close to 1. This results in a sequence that changes very slowly.
32. How does the concept of recursion apply to Arithmetico-Geometric sequences?
Recursion is fundamental to Arithmetico-Geometric sequences. Each term can be defined in terms of the previous term: an+1 = (an + d)r. This recursive definition captures the essence of how each term is constructed from its predecessor.
33. Can an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence have a period? If so, under what conditions?
An Arithmetico-Geometric sequence can have a period if r = -1 and d = 0. In this case, the sequence alternates between two values: a and -a. For other values of r and d, the sequence generally doesn't have a fixed period due to the combined arithmetic and geometric effects.
34. How does the rate of change of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence compare to that of arithmetic and geometric sequences?
The rate of change in an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence is more complex than in pure arithmetic or geometric sequences. It combines the constant difference of arithmetic sequences with the constant ratio of geometric sequences, resulting in a rate of change that itself changes with each term.
35. What role does the concept of limits play in understanding infinite Arithmetico-Geometric series?
Limits are crucial for understanding infinite Arithmetico-Geometric series. They help determine whether the series converges to a finite sum or diverges. The limit of the partial sums as n approaches infinity gives the sum of the infinite series when it converges.
36. How can you determine the index of the maximum term in an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
To find the index of the maximum term, differentiate the general term an = (a + (n-1)d)rⁿ⁻¹ with respect to n, set it to zero, and solve for n. This gives the continuous value of n where the maximum occurs. The actual index is the nearest integer to this value.
37. What is the significance of the quantity d/(r-1) in an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence?
The quantity d/(r-1) represents the difference between the limit of the sequence (when |r| < 1) and the first term. It shows how much the sequence "shifts" from its starting point due to the combined effects of the arithmetic and geometric parts.
38. How does the behavior of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence change if you alternate the signs of d and r?
Alternating the signs of d and r can create a sequence with more complex behavior. It may lead to oscillations combined with growth or decay, depending on the magnitudes of d and r. This can result in sequences that exhibit both arithmetic-like and geometric-like behaviors in alternating terms.
39. Can you explain how to find the sum of an infinite Arithmetico-Geometric series?
To find the sum of an infinite Arithmetico-Geometric series, first ensure that |r| < 1 for convergence. Then, take the limit of the partial sum formula as n approaches infinity: S∞ = lim(n→∞) [(a/1-r) + (d/1-r)((1-rⁿ)/(1-r) - n)]. This simplifies to S∞ = (a/(1-r)) + (d/((1-r)²)).
40. How does the concept of a generating function apply to Arithmetico-Geometric sequences?
A generating function for an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence is a power series whose coefficients are the terms of the sequence. It can be expressed as G(x) = Σ(n=1 to ∞) [(a + (n-1)d)rⁿ⁻¹]xⁿ⁻¹. This function encapsulates all the information about the sequence and can be used for various analytical purposes.
41. What is the relationship between Arithmetico-Geometric sequences and polynomial-exponential functions?
Arithmetico-Geometric sequences are discrete analogs of polynomial-exponential functions. The general term an = (a + (n-1)d)rⁿ⁻¹ is similar to functions of the form f(x) = (px + q)rˣ, where p, q, and r are constants. This connection helps in understanding the continuous counterparts of these discrete sequences.
42. How can you use the properties of Arithmetico-Geometric sequences to solve related differential equations?
The properties of Arithmetico-Geometric sequences can be used to solve differential equations of the form y' = ky + c, where k and c are constants. The solution to this equation has the form y = Aeᵏˣ + c/k, which is the continuous analog of an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence.
43. What is the significance of the ratio test in determining the convergence of an Arithmetico-Geometric series?
The ratio test is crucial for determining the convergence of an Arithmetico-Geometric series. By examining the limit of the ratio of consecutive terms as n approaches infinity, we can determine if |r| < 1, which is the condition for convergence. This test provides a quick way to assess the series' behavior.
44. How does the concept of a characteristic equation relate to Arithmetico-Geometric sequences?
The characteristic equation for an Arithmetico-Geometric sequence is x² - (r+1)x + r = 0. The roots

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