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11.3 Geometric Sequences

This document defines and provides examples of geometric sequences. A geometric sequence is one where the ratio between consecutive terms is constant. This ratio is called the common ratio. Unlike arithmetic sequences, the differences between terms in a geometric sequence vary. Formulas are provided for determining if a sequence is geometric, finding subsequent terms (recursive formula), writing the explicit formula, and calculating the geometric mean. Examples are included to demonstrate identifying common ratios, writing explicit formulas, and using formulas to find specific terms in geometric sequences.

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Kristine Henson
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99 views8 pages

11.3 Geometric Sequences

This document defines and provides examples of geometric sequences. A geometric sequence is one where the ratio between consecutive terms is constant. This ratio is called the common ratio. Unlike arithmetic sequences, the differences between terms in a geometric sequence vary. Formulas are provided for determining if a sequence is geometric, finding subsequent terms (recursive formula), writing the explicit formula, and calculating the geometric mean. Examples are included to demonstrate identifying common ratios, writing explicit formulas, and using formulas to find specific terms in geometric sequences.

Uploaded by

Kristine Henson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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11.

3 Geometric
Sequences

What is a Geometric Sequence?


In

a geometric sequence, the ratio


between consecutive terms is
constant. This ratio is called the
common ratio.
Unlike in an arithmetic sequence, the
difference between consecutive
terms varies.
We look for multiplication to
identify geometric sequences.

Ex: Determine if the sequence is geometric.


If so, identify the common ratio
1,

-6, 36, -216


yes. Common ratio=-6

2,

4, 6, 8
no. No common ratio

Important Formulas for


Geometric Sequence:

Recursive Formula
an = (an 1 ) r

Where:
an is the nth term in the
sequence
a1 is the first term
n is the number of the term
r is the common ratio

Explicit Formula
an = a1 * r n-1

Geometric Mean

Find the product of


the two values and
then take the square
root of the answer.

Lets start with the geometric mean


Find

the geometric mean between


3 and 48

Lets try one: Find the geometric mean


between 28 and 5103

Ex: Write the explicit formula for


each sequence
First term: a1 = 7
Common ratio = 1/3
Explicit:

an = a1 * r n-1

Now find the first five


terms:

a1
a2
a3
a4
a5

=
=
=
=
=

7(1/3)
7(1/3)
7(1/3)
7(1/3)
7(1/3)

(1-1)
(2-1)
(3-1)
(4-1)
(5-1)

=
=
=
=
=

7
7/3
7/9
7/27
7/81

Explicit Arithmetic Sequence Problem


Find the 19th term in the sequence of
11,33,99,297 . . .
an = a1 * r n-1

Start with the explicit sequence formula

Common ratio = 3
a19 = 11 (3) (19-1)
a19 = 11(3)18 =4,261,626,379

Find the common ratio


between the values.
Plug in known values

Simplify

Lets try one


Find the 10th term in the sequence of
1, -6, 36, -216 . . .
an = a1 * r n-1

Start with the explicit sequence formula

Common ratio = -6
a10 = 1 (-6) (10-1)
a10 = 1(-6)9 = -10,077,696

Find the common ratio


between the values.
Plug in known values

Simplify

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