Δ = − nr1+ d + nr2.
n − 1 n − 1

Writing R = Δ(n − 1), this relation becomes

R = n(r2 − r1) + d(n − 1).

We have already shown that f (the first principal focal length of a compound system) = −f1f2/Δ. Substituting for f1, f2 and Δ the values found above, we obtain

f = r1r2n= r1r2n,
(n − 1)R (n − 1) {n (r2 − r1) + d(n − 1)}

(10)

which is equivalent to

1= (n − 1) { 1 1} + (n − 1)2 d.
f r1r2 r1r2n

If the lens be infinitely thin, i.e. if d be zero, we have for the first principal focal length.

1= (n − 1) { 1 1}.
f r1r2