Math Problem Statement

What is a formula for the nth term of the given sequence? 192, comma, minus, 144, comma, 108, point, point, .

Solution

The given sequence is:
192,144,108,192, -144, 108, \ldots

To find the formula for the nn-th term of the sequence, we need to identify the pattern or rule governing the sequence. Let's observe the changes between the terms:

  1. Identify the pattern:
    Each term appears to be multiplying by a specific ratio or number. Let's find this ratio by dividing consecutive terms:

144192=34,108144=34\frac{-144}{192} = -\frac{3}{4}, \quad \frac{108}{-144} = -\frac{3}{4}

  1. Common ratio:
    The common ratio between the terms is 34-\frac{3}{4}.

  2. Formula for the nth term of a geometric sequence:
    The general formula for the nn-th term ana_n of a geometric sequence is:

an=a1rn1a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{n-1}

where:

  • a1a_1 is the first term (192 in this case)
  • rr is the common ratio (-3/4 in this case)
  1. Substitute values:

an=192(34)n1a_n = 192 \cdot \left( -\frac{3}{4} \right)^{n-1}

Final Answer:

The formula for the nn-th term of the sequence is:
an=192(34)n1\boxed{a_n = 192 \cdot \left( -\frac{3}{4} \right)^{n-1}}

Would you like a deeper explanation, or do you have any other questions?

Related Questions:

  1. What is a geometric sequence, and how do you identify one?
  2. How do you find the sum of the first nn terms of a geometric sequence?
  3. Can the formula be simplified further in any cases?
  4. What happens to the terms as nn becomes very large in this sequence?
  5. How can you determine whether a sequence is convergent or divergent?

Tip: For geometric sequences, pay attention to the ratio between consecutive terms; it reveals the multiplier pattern.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometric Sequence
Patterns
Ratios

Formulas

a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11