Math Problem Statement

Find the 7th term of the geometric sequence shown below.

6, x, squared, comma, minus, 24, x, to the power 6 , comma, 96, x, to the power 10 , comma, point, point, .

6x2,−24x6,96x10,...

Solution

To find the 7th term of the geometric sequence, we first need to identify the common ratio, rr, of the sequence.

Given sequence: 6x2,24x6,96x10,6x^2, -24x^6, 96x^{10}, \dots

Step 1: Determine the common ratio rr

The common ratio rr is found by dividing the second term by the first term:

r=24x66x2=246×x6x2=4x4r = \frac{-24x^6}{6x^2} = \frac{-24}{6} \times \frac{x^6}{x^2} = -4x^4

Step 2: Verify the common ratio with subsequent terms

Now, let's verify rr by dividing the third term by the second term:

r=96x1024x6=9624×x10x6=4x4r = \frac{96x^{10}}{-24x^6} = \frac{96}{-24} \times \frac{x^{10}}{x^6} = -4x^4

Since the common ratio is consistent, we can use it to find the 7th term.

Step 3: Use the formula for the nn-th term of a geometric sequence

The formula for the nn-th term of a geometric sequence is:

an=a1×rn1a_n = a_1 \times r^{n-1}

For the 7th term a7a_7:

a7=6x2×(4x4)71=6x2×(4x4)6a_7 = 6x^2 \times (-4x^4)^{7-1} = 6x^2 \times (-4x^4)^6

Step 4: Simplify the expression

(4x4)6=(4)6×(x4)6=4096x24(-4x^4)^6 = (-4)^6 \times (x^4)^6 = 4096x^{24}

Thus,

a7=6x2×4096x24=24576x26a_7 = 6x^2 \times 4096x^{24} = 24576x^{26}

Final Answer

The 7th term of the geometric sequence is 24576x26\boxed{24576x^{26}}.

Would you like a more detailed explanation, or do you have any questions? Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you find the common ratio in a geometric sequence?
  2. What is the formula for the general term of a geometric sequence?
  3. How can you verify if a sequence is geometric?
  4. What is the 5th term of the same sequence?
  5. How does changing the common ratio affect the sequence?

Tip: In a geometric sequence, the ratio between consecutive terms remains constant, which is key to solving problems like this one.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Sequences
Exponents

Formulas

Common ratio r = a_n / a_(n-1)
n-th term of geometric sequence: a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Sequence Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12