Math Problem Statement

Write the first six terms of the geometric sequence with the first​ term, a 1​, and common​ ratio, r. a 1 equals one half ​, r equals one half Question content area bottom Part 1 a 2 equals    enter your response here  ​(Type an integer or a fraction. Simplify your​ answer.)

Solution

To find the terms of a geometric sequence, you can use the formula for the nnth term of a geometric sequence:

an=a1×r(n1)a_n = a_1 \times r^{(n-1)}

Given:

  • a1=12a_1 = \frac{1}{2}
  • r=12r = \frac{1}{2}

Now, let's find the first six terms:

  1. a1=12a_1 = \frac{1}{2}

  2. a2=a1×r=12×12=14a_2 = a_1 \times r = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{4}

  3. a3=a1×r2=12×(12)2=12×14=18a_3 = a_1 \times r^2 = \frac{1}{2} \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{8}

  4. a4=a1×r3=12×(12)3=12×18=116a_4 = a_1 \times r^3 = \frac{1}{2} \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^3 = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{8} = \frac{1}{16}

  5. a5=a1×r4=12×(12)4=12×116=132a_5 = a_1 \times r^4 = \frac{1}{2} \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^4 = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{16} = \frac{1}{32}

  6. a6=a1×r5=12×(12)5=12×132=164a_6 = a_1 \times r^5 = \frac{1}{2} \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^5 = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{32} = \frac{1}{64}

So, the first six terms of the geometric sequence are:

12,14,18,116,132,164\frac{1}{2}, \frac{1}{4}, \frac{1}{8}, \frac{1}{16}, \frac{1}{32}, \frac{1}{64}

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions:

  1. What is the 10th term of the sequence?
  2. How do you find the sum of the first nn terms of a geometric sequence?
  3. If the common ratio were negative, how would the sequence change?
  4. How does the geometric sequence differ from an arithmetic sequence?
  5. What is the sum of an infinite geometric series with r<1|r| < 1?

Tip: In a geometric sequence, if the common ratio rr is between -1 and 1 (excluding 0), the terms will get closer and closer to 0 as the sequence progresses.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences and Series
Geometric Sequences

Formulas

nth term of a geometric sequence: an = a1 * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10