n = 6
Step-by-step explanation:
Givens
r = 4
a = 2
Sum = 2730
Equation
Sum = a(1 - r^n)/(1 - r)
Solution
2730 = 2 (1 - 4^n) / (1 - 4) Reduce the denominator
2730 = 2(1 - 4^n)/-3 Multiply both sides by -3
2730*-3 = 2(1 - 4^n) Simplify the left
-8190 = 2(1 - 4^n) Divide by 2
-8190/2 = 1 - 4^n Simplify
-4095 = 1 - 4^n Subtract 1 from both sides.
-4096 = - 4^n Divide by - 1
4096 = 4^n This looks like n is fairly large. You could use logs. Try n = 6.
4^6 does equal 4096 So your answer is 6.
Let's try it with logs. Ignore this if you don't know how to do this.
log(4096) = log(4)^n
log(4096) = n*log(4) Divide by log 4
log(4096)/log(4) = n
3.6124 / 0.6021 = n
n = 6
The hint is very helpful. Make sure you can follow it through