Math Problem Statement

Find the 8th term of the sequence 100, 20, 4, 4/5.

Solution

Let's examine the sequence 100,20,4,45100, 20, 4, \frac{4}{5}.

To find the general formula or pattern, note how the terms change:

  1. From 10020100 \to 20, we divide by 55.
  2. From 20420 \to 4, we divide by 55.
  3. From 4454 \to \frac{4}{5}, we again divide by 55.

Thus, the sequence is a geometric progression with the first term a=100a = 100 and a common ratio r=15r = \frac{1}{5}.

The formula for the nn-th term of a geometric sequence is: an=arn1a_n = a \cdot r^{n-1} Substituting a=100a = 100 and r=15r = \frac{1}{5}, we get: an=100(15)n1a_n = 100 \cdot \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^{n-1} For the 8th term (n=8n = 8): a8=100(15)7=100178125=10078125a_8 = 100 \cdot \left(\frac{1}{5}\right)^7 = 100 \cdot \frac{1}{78125} = \frac{100}{78125} Simplifying: a8=43125a_8 = \frac{4}{3125} This matches one of the options.

The correct answer is: 43125\boxed{\frac{4}{3125}}

Would you like further details on this solution or another topic?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. What is a geometric progression?
  2. How do you determine the common ratio in a sequence?
  3. What is the formula for the sum of a finite geometric series?
  4. How can you convert a decimal into a fraction?
  5. How do you find the general term of an arithmetic sequence?

Tip: Always check if a sequence has a constant ratio or difference to identify if it's geometric or arithmetic.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Progression
Sequences and Series

Formulas

Geometric Sequence Formula: a_n = a * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Progression Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10