Worked solution
Compare arithmetic and geometric partial sums
The seventh, third and first AP terms (nonzero common difference) are respectively the first three GP terms. Show that the geometric series converges. The seventh AP term is . Find the smallest for which the first AP terms exceed the first GP terms by at least .
[2008/AJC/II/2(modified)]
CJC · Discussion · Question 8
Answer
The GP ratio is ; smallest .
Relate the two progressions
With AP terms forming the GP, . Thus , and gives . The GP ratio is , so its series converges.
How did this part go?
Calibrate and compare the sums
, so , , while the GP starts at . The difference is . Require .
How did this part go?
Locate the first admissible integer
The source table gives , , . Moreover for , and the first two differences are below . Thus the smallest value is .
How did this part go?
Common mistakes
“At least 100” includes equality, unlike a strict exceedance bound.