4.2.5

Geometric Sequences

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Geometric Sequences

A geometric sequence is one in which any term divided by the previous term is a constant.

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Common ratio

  • This constant is called the common ratio of the sequence.
  • The common ratio can be found by dividing any term in the sequence by the previous term.
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Explicit formula

  • If a1a_1 is the initial term of a geometric sequence and rr is the common ratio, the explicit equation to find a particular term ana_n is:
    • an=a1rn1a_n = a_1r^{n-1}
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Recursive formula

  • A recursive formula allows us to find any term of a geometric sequence by using the previous term:
  • an=ran1a_n=ra_{n-1}
  • For n2n\geq 2

Jump to other topics

1Proof

2Algebra & Functions

2.1Powers & Roots

2.2Quadratic Equations

2.3Inequalities

2.4Polynomials

2.5Graphs

2.6Functions

2.7Transformation of Graphs

2.8Partial Fractions (A2 Only)

3Coordinate Geometry

4Sequences & Series

5Trigonometry

6Exponentials & Logarithms

7Differentiation

8Integration

9Numerical Methods

10Vectors

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