Math Problem Statement

2, 8, 32, 128,

Solution

The sequence provided: 2, 8, 32, 128 follows a geometric pattern.

Here's the reasoning:

  • The first term is 2.
  • The second term is 8, which is obtained by multiplying 2 by 4.
  • The third term is 32, which is obtained by multiplying 8 by 4.
  • The fourth term is 128, which is obtained by multiplying 32 by 4.

This is a geometric sequence where the common ratio r=4r = 4.

General Form of a Geometric Sequence:

For a geometric sequence, the nn-th term can be expressed as: an=a1r(n1)a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{(n-1)} where:

  • a1a_1 is the first term,
  • rr is the common ratio,
  • nn is the position of the term in the sequence.

In this case:

  • a1=2a_1 = 2,
  • r=4r = 4.

So, the general formula for the nn-th term in this sequence is: an=24(n1)a_n = 2 \cdot 4^{(n-1)}

For example:

  • The 5th term would be: a5=24(51)=244=2256=512a_5 = 2 \cdot 4^{(5-1)} = 2 \cdot 4^4 = 2 \cdot 256 = 512

Would you like to know more details or have any questions?

5 Related Questions:

  1. How can you determine if a sequence is arithmetic or geometric?
  2. What is the sum of the first nn terms of a geometric series?
  3. How do you find the common ratio in a geometric sequence?
  4. Can geometric sequences have negative or fractional ratios?
  5. How does the behavior of a geometric sequence change if the common ratio is less than 1?

Tip: In a geometric sequence, multiplying by a common ratio greater than 1 results in exponential growth, while a ratio between 0 and 1 leads to exponential decay.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences and Series
Geometric Sequences

Formulas

General formula for geometric sequence: a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10