Geometric Sequences

Facts
Common ratio this is what you multiply the previous term by
First term is denoted
1

The common ratio is denoted
The n
th
term is a general rule for finding any term in the sequence
The n
th
term is denoted

Consider the sequence: 3, -6, 12, -24 .
Term Number 1 2 3 4 5
Sequence

3 -6 12 -24 48

1

1
2
1
2 2
1
2 2 2

1
2 2 2 2

1
2

1
(2)
2

1
(2)
3

1
(2)
4

1

1

1

2

1

3

1

4


Term Number 1 2 3 4 5
Sequence

3 -6 12 -24 48

=
1

1

The number of differences is 1 less that the term number. So the n
th
term
for an geometric sequence is:

=

1
(

1)
1

Sum of an geometric series:

=

1
(1

)
1

1
This can be re-written as:
A proof of this formula is given in your text book.
1. In a geometric sequence
1
= 864 and
4
= 256
Find the common ratio.
2. For the geometric sequence 5, 15, 45,. Find the least value of such
that the
th
term is greater than 50, 000
3. Calculate the sum of the first 12 terms of the series 1 + 3 + 9 +
1. In a geometric sequence
1
= 864 and
4
= 256
Find the common ratio.

=
1

1

4
=
1

41

256 = 864
3

Then solve
2. For the geometric sequence 5, 15, 45,. Find the least value of such that
the
th
term is greater than 50, 000

=
1

1

= 5 3
1

50000 < 5 3
1

Then solve. You will need to use
your knowledge of solving
logarithmic equations here.
3. Calculate the sum of the first 12 terms of the series 1 + 3 + 9 +

=

1
(

1)
1

12
=
1 (3
12
1)
3 1

12
= 265720
EXAM STYLE QUESTION:
1. a) Find the common ratio for the geometric series
1
12
+
1
8
+
3
16
+

b) Hence find the least value of such that

> 800
2. In a geometric series, the sum of the first four terms is ten
times the sum of the first two terms. If > 1, find the common
ratio.