Sequence and Series – Geometric Progression – JEE Main 28 Jan 2026 Shift 2

Question ID: #971
JEE Main28 January Shift 2, 2026Algebra

$\frac{6}{3^{26}}+\frac{10 \cdot 1}{3^{25}}+\frac{10 \cdot 2}{3^{24}}+\frac{10 \cdot 2^{2}}{3^{23}}+…+\frac{10 \cdot 2^{24}}{3}$ is equal to

  • (1) $2^{25}$
  • (2) $2^{26}$
  • (3) $3^{25}$
  • (4) $3^{26}$

Solution:


Let the given series be $S$.
$$S = \frac{6}{3^{26}} + \left[ \frac{10}{3^{25}} + \frac{10 \cdot 2}{3^{24}} + \frac{10 \cdot 2^2}{3^{23}} + \dots + \frac{10 \cdot 2^{24}}{3} \right]$$

Observe the terms inside the bracket. They form a Geometric Progression (G.P.).
First term $A = \frac{10}{3^{25}}$.
Second term $A_2 = \frac{10 \cdot 2}{3^{24}}$.
Common ratio $R = \frac{A_2}{A} = \frac{10 \cdot 2 / 3^{24}}{10 / 3^{25}} = 2 \cdot 3 = 6$.

The terms range from $2^0$ to $2^{24}$, so there are $n = 25$ terms in this G.P.

Formula for the sum of a G.P. is $S_n = A \frac{R^n – 1}{R – 1}$.
$$S_{25} = \frac{10}{3^{25}} \left[ \frac{6^{25} – 1}{6 – 1} \right]$$
$$S_{25} = \frac{10}{3^{25}} \left[ \frac{6^{25} – 1}{5} \right]$$
$$S_{25} = \frac{2}{3^{25}} (6^{25} – 1)$$

Now substitute this back into the original sum $S$:
$$S = \frac{6}{3^{26}} + \frac{2}{3^{25}} (6^{25} – 1)$$

Simplify the first term:
$$\frac{6}{3^{26}} = \frac{2 \cdot 3}{3^{26}} = \frac{2}{3^{25}}$$

Substitute and expand:
$$S = \frac{2}{3^{25}} + \frac{2 \cdot 6^{25}}{3^{25}} – \frac{2}{3^{25}}$$
$$S = \frac{2 \cdot 6^{25}}{3^{25}}$$
$$S = 2 \left( \frac{6}{3} \right)^{25}$$
$$S = 2 (2^{25})$$
$$S = 2^{26}$$

Ans. (2)

Was this solution helpful?
YesNo