Math Problem Statement

Determine the common ratio of the geometric sequences given the pairs of terms below.

Solution

The problem asks to determine the common ratio of each geometric sequence given the pairs of terms. Here is a detailed breakdown of the calculations:

Problem: Determine the common ratio rr of the geometric sequences given the pairs of terms below.

Let's solve each problem by using the formula for the nn-th term of a geometric sequence:

an=a1r(n1)a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{(n-1)}

where ana_n is the nn-th term, a1a_1 is the first term, and rr is the common ratio.

1. a3=4a_3 = 4 and a5=21a_5 = 21

For this, use the formula for the terms:

a3=a1r2=4a_3 = a_1 \cdot r^2 = 4 a5=a1r4=21a_5 = a_1 \cdot r^4 = 21

Divide the second equation by the first:

a5a3=a1r4a1r2=r2=214\frac{a_5}{a_3} = \frac{a_1 \cdot r^4}{a_1 \cdot r^2} = r^2 = \frac{21}{4}

So,

r=214=212r = \sqrt{\frac{21}{4}} = \frac{\sqrt{21}}{2}

2. a2=9a_2 = 9 and a4=1a_4 = 1

Using the formula:

a2=a1r=9a_2 = a_1 \cdot r = 9 a4=a1r3=1a_4 = a_1 \cdot r^3 = 1

Dividing the second by the first:

a4a2=19=r2\frac{a_4}{a_2} = \frac{1}{9} = r^2

So,

r=19=13r = \sqrt{\frac{1}{9}} = \frac{1}{3}

3. a2=27a_2 = 27 and a4=81a_4 = 81

Using the formula:

a2=a1r=27a_2 = a_1 \cdot r = 27 a4=a1r3=81a_4 = a_1 \cdot r^3 = 81

Divide:

a4a2=8127=3=r2\frac{a_4}{a_2} = \frac{81}{27} = 3 = r^2

So,

r=3r = \sqrt{3}

4. a3=81a_3 = 81 and a5=625a_5 = 625

Using the formula:

a3=a1r2=81a_3 = a_1 \cdot r^2 = 81 a5=a1r4=625a_5 = a_1 \cdot r^4 = 625

Dividing:

a5a3=62581=(259)=r2\frac{a_5}{a_3} = \frac{625}{81} = \left(\frac{25}{9}\right) = r^2

So,

r=53r = \frac{5}{3}

5. a2=64a_2 = 64 and a4=256a_4 = 256

Using the formula:

a2=a1r=64a_2 = a_1 \cdot r = 64 a4=a1r3=256a_4 = a_1 \cdot r^3 = 256

Dividing:

a4a2=25664=4=r2\frac{a_4}{a_2} = \frac{256}{64} = 4 = r^2

So,

r=2r = 2

6. a1=5a_1 = 5 and a4=125a_4 = 125

Using the formula:

a1=5a_1 = 5 a4=5r3=125a_4 = 5 \cdot r^3 = 125

Solving for rr:

r3=1255=25r^3 = \frac{125}{5} = 25

r=253r = \sqrt[3]{25}

7. a1=9a_1 = 9 and a4=16a_4 = 16

Using the formula:

a1=9a_1 = 9 a4=9r3=16a_4 = 9 \cdot r^3 = 16

Solving for rr:

r3=169r^3 = \frac{16}{9}

r=1693r = \sqrt[3]{\frac{16}{9}}

If you have any questions or need further explanations on any part, feel free to ask!

Related Questions:

  1. How do you find the first term of a geometric sequence given the common ratio and another term?
  2. What are some applications of geometric sequences in real-world scenarios?
  3. How do you find the sum of the first nn terms of a geometric sequence?
  4. What is the difference between geometric and arithmetic sequences?
  5. How do you handle sequences when the common ratio is negative?

Tip: Always verify the common ratio by substituting it back into the terms to ensure the sequence makes sense!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Sequences
Algebra

Formulas

a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{(n-1)}
r^2 = \frac{a_n}{a_m}

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11