Math Problem Statement

The first term of a geometric sequence is 5 and the common ratio is 6. 1) Create an equation for the situation. 2) Find the 5th term of the sequence.

Solution

Let's solve the problem presented in the image.

  1. Create an equation for the geometric sequence: The general formula for the nn-th term of a geometric sequence is given by: an=a1rn1a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{n-1} where:

    • a1a_1 is the first term,
    • rr is the common ratio,
    • nn is the term number.

    In this case:

    • a1=5a_1 = 5 (the first term),
    • r=6r = 6 (the common ratio).

    Thus, the equation for the nn-th term of the sequence is: an=56n1a_n = 5 \cdot 6^{n-1}

  2. Find the 5th term of the sequence: To find the 5th term, we plug n=5n = 5 into the equation: a5=5651=564a_5 = 5 \cdot 6^{5-1} = 5 \cdot 6^4 Calculating 646^4: 64=6×6×6×6=12966^4 = 6 \times 6 \times 6 \times 6 = 1296 Now, calculate a5a_5: a5=51296=6480a_5 = 5 \cdot 1296 = 6480

So, the 5th term of the sequence is 6480.

Would you like more details, or do you have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you derive the general formula for a geometric sequence?
  2. What is the difference between geometric and arithmetic sequences?
  3. How would the sequence change if the common ratio was negative?
  4. How do you find the sum of the first nn terms of a geometric sequence?
  5. What happens to the terms in a geometric sequence when the common ratio is between 0 and 1?

Tip: The common ratio determines how quickly the terms of the geometric sequence grow (or shrink). A ratio greater than 1 leads to rapid growth, while a ratio between 0 and 1 results in decay.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Sequences
Exponential Growth

Formulas

a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11