Math Problem Statement

For the following geometric sequence: 2, 6, 18, 54, ..., find a11.

Solution

This is a geometric sequence with the terms 2, 6, 18, 54, ..., and you are asked to find a11a_{11}.

Steps to find a11a_{11}:

  1. Identify the first term (a1a_1) and the common ratio (rr).

    • The first term a1=2a_1 = 2.
    • To find the common ratio rr, divide the second term by the first term: r=62=3r = \frac{6}{2} = 3
  2. Use the formula for the nn-th term of a geometric sequence: The general formula for the nn-th term of a geometric sequence is: 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.
    • rr is the common ratio.
    • nn is the term number.
  3. Plug in the values for a11a_{11}: a11=23(111)=2310a_{11} = 2 \cdot 3^{(11-1)} = 2 \cdot 3^{10}

  4. Calculate 3103^{10}: 310=590493^{10} = 59049

  5. Now, calculate a11a_{11}: a11=259049=118098a_{11} = 2 \cdot 59049 = 118098

Thus, a11=118098a_{11} = 118098.

Would you like further details on geometric sequences or have any questions? Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you find the sum of a geometric sequence?
  2. What happens if the common ratio is negative or between 0 and 1?
  3. Can a geometric sequence have fractional terms?
  4. How do you calculate the general formula for the sum of an infinite geometric series?
  5. How do you find the common ratio of a geometric sequence when not directly given?

Tip: Always check if the sequence is truly geometric by ensuring the ratio between consecutive terms remains constant.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Sequences
Exponentiation
Sequence Formulas

Formulas

a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-10