Geometric Progression, GP

Geometric progression (also known as geometric sequence) is a sequence of numbers where the ratio
r
of any two adjacent terms is constant. The constant ratio is called the common ratio, of geometric
r
progression. Each term therefore in geometric progression is found by multiplying the previous one by .

The nth term of geometric progression

a1 a1
a2

a1r

a3

a2 r a1r r a1r 2

a4

a3r a1r 2 r a1r 3

Where
a1

= the first term,

a2
= the second term, and so on

.
.
an

an

a1r n 1

= the last term (or the nth term)

Sum of Finite Geometric Progression

a1 1 r n

1 r

approporiate for

r 1

a1 r n 1

r 1

appropriate for

r 1

rth term of (a + b)n

r

th

term

n!
a n 1 r b r 1
n r 1 !

For n = even, the middle term is at

n
2