$\"\"$

\

The given values $\"\"$ .

\

Apply alternative formula for sum of a geometric series $\"\"$ .

\

$\"\"$ (Substitute $\"\"$ )

\

$\"\"$ (Product of two same signs is positive)

\

$\"\"$ (Add denominator: 1 + 2 = 3) $\"\"$

\

Apply multiplication property of equality: a = b then $\"\"$ .

\

$\"\"$ (Multiply each side by 3)

\

$\"\"$ (Cancel common terms)

\

$\"\"$ (Multiply: $\"\"$ )

\

Apply subtraction property of equality: a = b then $\"\"$ .

\

$\"\"$ (Subtract 96 from each side)

\

$\"\"$ (Apply additive inverse property: $\"\"$ )

\

$\"\"$ (Subtract: $\"\"$ ) $\"\"$

\

The value of $\"\"$ .