Geometric Sequences

Sequences and Series / Day 2

✤ A geometric sequence is a sequence where each term
differs from the previous by a common ratio, r.

✤ For example: 2, 6, 18, 54, …. To find r divide any term

by the term in front of it
6 18 54
r   3
2 6 18
✤ Another example: 21875, 4375, 875, …

4375 875 1
 r  
21875 4375 5
✤ Example 1: A geometric sequence has u1 = 4 and a
common ratio of 2. Write the first four terms of the
sequence.
✤ The formula of a geometric sequence is:

un  u1  r n1


✤ Example 2: Given the number sequence 20, 10, 5, 2.5,
…

✤ a) Show that the sequence is geometric.

✤ b) Write the general formula for the nth term un.

✤ c) Hence find the 13th term of the sequence. Write

your answer as a fraction.
✤ Example 2: Given the number sequence 20, 10, 5, 2.5,
…

✤ a) Show that the sequence is geometric.

✤ b) Write the general formula for the nth term un.

✤ c) Hence find the 13th term of the sequence. Write

your answer as a fraction.
✤ Hence: You must use the formula/graph/information
given or found in the previous portion of the question.

✤ Hence or Otherwise: You can use the

formula/graph/information given or found in the
previous portion of the question, or you can proceed in
another way. Sometimes it’s a hint on how to proceed.
✤ Example 3: The fourth term of a geometric sequence is
-27 and the seventh term is 729.

✤a) Find the first term and the common ratio.

✤b) Write the general term formula for this

sequence.

✤c) Find the 10th term.

✤ Example 4: Find k given the following consecutive
geometric terms: k – 1, 2k, 21 – k.
✤ Example 5: Find the first term of the geometric
sequence 1, 2.5, 6.25, 15.625, … that exceeds 10 000.

✤ Hint: Use your graphing calculator.

✤ Homework:

✤ 5D.1 1- 3 ac, 5, 6, 8ac