Chapter 5(D) - Part 1

IB Math Studies I

[ notes ]

5D: GEOMETRIC SEQUENCES

1st term
3 , 12 , 48 , 192 , 768 , ...
position: u1

u2
x4

u3
x4

u4
x4

u5 .... un
x4

r=4
A sequence where each term can be obtained from
+
the previous by7 multiplication (common ratio)
(a.k.a: geometric progression)
common
What's the
ratio
(common ratio)

rule?

Term
Number

1st
term

Find the rule to the sequence above

What you need to find the rule:

= 1st term
= common ratio

the power of
r one less than
the term #

IB Math Studies I

Chapter 5(D) - Part 1

[ notes ]

5D: GEOMETRIC SEQUENCES

Examples
1) Write the rule for and find the next two terms: 8 , 16 , 32 , ...

2) Find the 7th term with a geometric rule: 2 , 14 , ...

3) Is 192 a term in the geometric sequence: 3 , 6 , 12 , ...

If it is, what term (n) is 192?