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What Is A Geometric Sequence?

A geometric sequence is a sequence where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed non-zero number called the common ratio. Unlike an arithmetic sequence, the differences between consecutive terms in a geometric sequence vary. We use multiplication to identify geometric sequences and look for a common ratio. Formulas like the explicit formula an = a1 * r^n-1 can be used to find specific terms in a geometric sequence given the first term, common ratio, and term number.

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Christopher Allen Varsovia
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57 views7 pages

What Is A Geometric Sequence?

A geometric sequence is a sequence where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed non-zero number called the common ratio. Unlike an arithmetic sequence, the differences between consecutive terms in a geometric sequence vary. We use multiplication to identify geometric sequences and look for a common ratio. Formulas like the explicit formula an = a1 * r^n-1 can be used to find specific terms in a geometric sequence given the first term, common ratio, and term number.

Uploaded by

Christopher Allen Varsovia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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:
 Explicit Formula

an = a1 * r n-1

Where:  Geometric Mean


an is the nth term in the
sequence Find the product of
a1 is the first term the two values and
then take the
n is the number of the term
square root of the
r is the common ratio answer.
Explicit Geometric 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

Find the common ratio


Common ratio = 3 between the values.

a19 = 11 (3) (19-1) Plug in known values

a19 = 11(3)18 =4,261,626,379 Simplify


Let’s 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

Find the common ratio


Common ratio = -6 between the values.

a10 = 1 (-6) (10-1) Plug in known values

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


Geometric Sequence

• What if your pay check


started at $100 a week and
doubled every week. What
would your salary be after four
weeks?
GeometricSequence
• Starting $100.
• After one week - $200
• After two weeks - $400
• After three weeks - $800
• After four weeks - $1600.
• These values form a geometric
sequence.

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