Math Problem Statement

Determine whether each sequence in the exercise is geometric, justifying the answer, and if so, find its first term and common ratio.

Solution

Let's analyze each sequence given in the problem to determine if it is a geometric sequence.

A geometric sequence has the form Un=U1qn1U_n = U_1 \cdot q^{n-1}, or equivalently, the ratio between consecutive terms Un+1Un=q\frac{U_{n+1}}{U_n} = q is constant.


Sequence Analysis

a) Un=6nU_n = 6n

  • Here, UnU_n depends linearly on nn. The ratio Un+1Un=6(n+1)6n=n+1n\frac{U_{n+1}}{U_n} = \frac{6(n+1)}{6n} = \frac{n+1}{n} is not constant.
  • Conclusion: Not a geometric sequence.

b) Un=2n33n+2U_n = 2^{n-3} \cdot 3^{n+2}

  • Simplify the expression: Un=2n233n32=12(23)n=126nU_n = \frac{2^n}{2^3} \cdot 3^n \cdot 3^2 = 12 \cdot (2 \cdot 3)^n = 12 \cdot 6^n.
  • Clearly, this is in the form of a geometric sequence with q=6q = 6 and first term U0=1260=12U_0 = \frac{12}{6^0} = 12.
  • Conclusion: Geometric sequence, q=6q = 6, U0=12U_0 = 12.

c) Un=3n5n+1U_n = \frac{3^n}{5^{n+1}}

  • Rewrite: Un=3n55n=15(35)nU_n = \frac{3^n}{5 \cdot 5^n} = \frac{1}{5} \cdot \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^n.
  • This is in the form of a geometric sequence with q=35q = \frac{3}{5} and U0=15U_0 = \frac{1}{5}.
  • Conclusion: Geometric sequence, q=35q = \frac{3}{5}, U0=15U_0 = \frac{1}{5}.

d) Un=310nU_n = -3 \cdot 10^n

  • Rewrite: Un=(3)(10)nU_n = (-3) \cdot (10)^n.
  • This is in the form of a geometric sequence with q=10q = 10 and U0=3U_0 = -3.
  • Conclusion: Geometric sequence, q=10q = 10, U0=3U_0 = -3.

e) Recursive sequence:

U_0 &= -7, \\ U_{n+1} &= 0.9 \cdot U_n. \end{aligned}$$ - Each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by $$0.9$$. - This defines a geometric sequence with $$q = 0.9$$ and $$U_0 = -7$$. - **Conclusion**: Geometric sequence, $$q = 0.9$$, $$U_0 = -7$$. --- **f)** Recursive sequence: $$\begin{aligned} U_1 &= 15, \\ U_{n+1} &= \frac{3}{U_n}. \end{aligned}$$ - The ratio between consecutive terms is not constant because $$U_{n+1}$$ depends inversely on $$U_n$$. - **Conclusion**: Not a geometric sequence. --- ### **Summary** - **a)** Not geometric - **b)** Geometric, $$q = 6$$, $$U_0 = 12$$ - **c)** Geometric, $$q = \frac{3}{5}$$, $$U_0 = \frac{1}{5}$$ - **d)** Geometric, $$q = 10$$, $$U_0 = -3$$ - **e)** Geometric, $$q = 0.9$$, $$U_0 = -7$$ - **f)** Not geometric --- Do you have any questions or would you like further clarification on a specific sequence? ### Follow-up Questions: 1. How is the ratio $$q$$ calculated for a geometric sequence? 2. Why is the sequence $$U_n = 6n$$ not geometric? 3. What happens to recursive sequences if their ratio changes? 4. Can a sequence be geometric if its terms alternate between positive and negative? 5. How do we check the first term of a recursive geometric sequence? **Tip**: Always simplify the general term of a sequence before checking if it is geometric.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Sequences
Sequence Analysis
Recursive and Explicit Formulas

Formulas

Geometric sequence: U_n = U_1 * q^(n-1)
Common ratio: q = U_(n+1) / U_n

Theorems

Definition of a Geometric Sequence

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12