Lesson 2 GEOMETRIC SEQUENCE

I. Most Essential Learning Competency:

Illustrates a geometric sequence
Differentiates a geometric sequence from an arithmetic sequence
Determines geometric means, nth term of a geometric sequence and sum of the terms of a
given finite or infinite geometric sequence

II. Target Value/s:

Humility – being able to recognize that God created us in His image and likeness

III.

Geometric Sequence is a sequence in which a term is contained by multiplying the

preceding term by a constant number called common ratio and is denoted by letter ‘r’. The
common ratio, r, can be determined by dividing any term in the sequence by the term that precedes
1
it. Thus, in the geometric sequence 32, 16, 8, 4, 2… the common ratio is since
2

16 1 4 1 2 1
= , = , =
32 2 8 2 4 2

Examples:

Determine whether each sequence is arithmetic or geometric. If the sequence is arithmetic, give the
common difference; if geometric, give the common ratio.

a. 6, 18, 54, 162…Answer: GEOMETRIC Common Ratio: 3

b. 4, 10, 16, 22… Answer: ARITHMETIC Common Difference: 6

c. 2, -10, 50, -250… Answer: GEOMETERIC Common Ratio: -5

FINDING THE NTH TERM OF GEOMETRIC SEQUENCE

The nth term of a geometric sequence can be found using the formula:

a n=a1 r n−1

where,
a n−nth term of the sequence
a 1−first term of the sequence
r −common ratio
n−number of terms

Examples:

 Find the 8th term of the geometric sequence 2, 4, 8, 16…

Solution: a 1=2 ,n=8 , r=2

a n=a1 r n−1
a 8=2(2)8−1
a 8=2(2)7
a 8=2 (128 )
a 8=256

Therefore, the 8th term of the geometric sequence is 256.

GEOMETRIC MEANS

 Geometric mean is the term between any two nonconsecutive terms in a geometric sequence.
 Let m be the geometric mean between two numbers a and b, so that a, m, and b form a
geometric sequence (a , m ,b ¿, so that

m b 2
= m =ab m=√ ab
a m

Examples:

 Find the geometric mean between 3 and 12.

Solution: a=3 b=12

m= √ ab
m= √(3)(12)
m= √36
m=6

The geometric mean between 3 and 12 is 6, since 3, 6, 12 forms a geometric sequence.

 Insert two geometric means between 3 and 192.

Solution: a 1=3 n=4 a n=192

a n=a1 r n−1

192=3 (r )4−1
192=3 (r )3
64=r 3
r =4
Sincer =4 , then the geometric means are
a n=a1 r n−1 a n=a1 r n−1
a 2=3(4)2−1 a 3=3(4)3−1
a 2=3( 4)1 a 3=3(4)2
a 2=12 a 3=3(16)
a 3=48

Thus, the sequence is 3, 12, 48, and 192.

GEOMETRIC SERIES

Finite Sequence – if it has a first term and a last term

Infinite Sequence – if it has a first term but no last term

The formula for the sum of the first n terms in a finite geometric sequence is:

a 1( 1−r n )
Sn =
1−r
where,
Example:

 Find the sum of the first 5 terms of 4, 12, 36, 108…

Solution: a 1=4 n=5 r=3

a 1( 1−r n )
Sn =
1−r

4[1−( 3 )5 ]
S5=
1−3

4[1−243]
S5=
−2

−968
S5=
−2

S5=484

Thus, the sum of the first 5 terms is 484.

BIBLE VERSE STOP!

Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one
Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
1 Corinthians 8:6

IV. Wrap Up

‘Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates
sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.’
- Lao Tzu

V. References:

Tolentino, Joan Eunice T., De Garcia, May Maricel B., De Guzman, Niño Jose P., Barroza,
Juan Carlos C. (2017). Realistic Math 10: Scaling Greater Height. Quezon City: Sibs
Publishing House, Inc.
Ulpina, Jisela N., Razon, Lerida-M E. (2015). Math Builders 10. Valenzuela City: Jo-Es
Publishing House, Inc.
Jose-Dilao, S. (2002). Intermediate Algebra. Quezon City: Vibal Publishing House, Inc.
Hitosis, Haydee C., Flores, Romailyn V., Bugayong, Eugene M. (2020). Math 10 Teacher’s
Guide. Quezon City: TechFactors, Inc.