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.