 Finite geometric series

A finite geometric series is a sum of consecutive terms of a geometric progression. With first term $a$ and $N$ terms, including $N=0$ for the empty sum,Unlike an infinite geometric series, this identity does not need $|r|<1$. For example, $3+6+12+24+48=3(2^5-1)=93$. The number of terms is five; the largest exponent is four.

The cancellation behind the formula is especially useful to remember: multiplying $S_N$ by the common ratio shifts all terms one place. In $S_N-r{S}_N$, every interior term cancels, leaving $a-a{r}^N$. Division by $1-r$ gives the identity when $r\ne 1$; at $r=1$ the sum is directly $Na$. The same argument works for complex numbers.

For integers $m\le n$ and $r\ne 1$, the shifted version isThere are $n-m+1$ terms. All powers must be defined; if a negative exponent is present, $r$ must be nonzero. At $r=1$ this sum is simply $n-m+1$. The finite trigonometric sum uses this identity with a complex exponential as the common ratio.

Finite sums of positive integers in a geometric progression already appear in Euclid's Elements, Book IX, Proposition 35. The argument there compares differences of proportional numbers; Joyce's guide rewrites its conclusion as the modern finite-sum formula. This historical result concerns finite sums, without asserting an infinite limit. ^[ref]