Example 2:

Find the 7th term for the geometric sequence in which a2=24 and a5=3 .

Substitute 24 for a2 and 3 for a5 in the formula

an=a1⋅rn−1 .

a2=a1⋅r2−1→24=a1ra5=a1⋅r5−1→    3=a1r4

Solve the firstequation for a1 : a1=24r

Substitute this expression for a1 in the second equation and solve for r .

3=24r⋅r43=24r318=r3 so r=12

Substitute for r in the first equation and solve for a1 .

24=a1(12)48=a1

Now use the formula to find a7 .

a7=48(12)7−1=48⋅164=34