Understanding the Common Ratio

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 41 views

A geometric sequence is a type of sequence where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed, non-zero number called the common ratio. In this article, we will explore which geometric sequence has a common ratio of -9.

What is a Geometric Sequence?

A geometric sequence is a sequence of numbers where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed number called the common ratio. The general formula for a geometric sequence is:

a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)

where a_n is the nth term of the sequence, a_1 is the first term, r is the common ratio, and n is the term number.

Understanding the Common Ratio

The common ratio is a crucial component of a geometric sequence. It determines how each term is related to the previous term. In this case, we are looking for a geometric sequence with a common ratio of -9.

Analyzing the Options

Let's analyze each of the given options to determine which one has a common ratio of -9.

Option A: {1, -9, 81, -729, ...}

To determine if this sequence has a common ratio of -9, we can divide each term by the previous term.

-9 / 1 = -9 81 / -9 = -9 -729 / 81 = -9

As we can see, each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by -9. Therefore, this sequence has a common ratio of -9.

Option B: {81, 729, 6561, 59049, ...}

To determine if this sequence has a common ratio of -9, we can divide each term by the previous term.

729 / 81 = 9 6561 / 729 = 9 59049 / 6561 = 9

As we can see, each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by 9, not -9. Therefore, this sequence does not have a common ratio of -9.

Option C: {-9, -81, -729, -6561, ...}

To determine if this sequence has a common ratio of -9, we can divide each term by the previous term.

-81 / -9 = 9 -729 / -81 = 9 -6561 / -729 = 9

As we can see, each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by 9, not -9. Therefore, this sequence does not have a common ratio of -9.

Option D: {-1, -9, 81, 729, ...}

To determine if this sequence has a common ratio of -9, we can divide each term by the previous term.

-9 / -1 = 9 81 / -9 = -9 729 / 81 = 9

As we can see, the sequence does not consistently have a common ratio of -9. Therefore, this sequence does not have a common ratio of -9.

Conclusion

Based on our analysis, we can conclude that the geometric sequence with a common ratio of -9 is:

A. {1, -9, 81, -729, ...}

This sequence consistently has a common ratio of -9, making it the correct answer.

Key Takeaways

A geometric sequence is a type of sequence where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed number called the common ratio.
The common ratio is a crucial component of a geometric sequence, determining how each term is related to the previous term.
To determine if a sequence has a common ratio, we can divide each term by the previous term.
In this case, we analyzed four different geometric sequences to determine which one has a common ratio of -9.
Geometric Sequences: Q&A ==========================

In our previous article, we explored the concept of geometric sequences and identified the sequence with a common ratio of -9. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about geometric sequences.

Q: What is the difference between a geometric sequence and an arithmetic sequence?

A: A geometric sequence is a type of sequence where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed number called the common ratio. An arithmetic sequence, on the other hand, is a type of sequence where each term after the first is found by adding a fixed number called the common difference.

Q: How do I determine the common ratio of a geometric sequence?

A: To determine the common ratio of a geometric sequence, you can divide each term by the previous term. If the result is the same for each pair of consecutive terms, then that is the common ratio.

Q: Can a geometric sequence have a common ratio of 0?

A: No, a geometric sequence cannot have a common ratio of 0. If the common ratio is 0, then the sequence would be a constant sequence, where every term is the same.

Q: Can a geometric sequence have a common ratio of 1?

A: Yes, a geometric sequence can have a common ratio of 1. In this case, the sequence would be a constant sequence, where every term is the same.

Q: How do I find the nth term of a geometric sequence?

A: To find the nth term of a geometric sequence, you can use the formula:

a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)

where a_n is the nth term, a_1 is the first term, r is the common ratio, and n is the term number.

Q: Can a geometric sequence have a negative common ratio?

A: Yes, a geometric sequence can have a negative common ratio. In this case, the sequence would alternate between positive and negative terms.

Q: How do I determine if a sequence is a geometric sequence?

A: To determine if a sequence is a geometric sequence, you can check if each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a fixed number. If this is the case, then the sequence is a geometric sequence.

Q: Can a geometric sequence have a common ratio that is a fraction?

A: Yes, a geometric sequence can have a common ratio that is a fraction. In this case, the sequence would have terms that are fractions.

Q: How do I find the sum of the first n terms of a geometric sequence?

A: To find the sum of the first n terms of a geometric sequence, you can use the formula:

S_n = a_1 * (1 - r^n) / (1 - r)

where S_n is the sum of the first n terms, a_1 is the first term, r is the common ratio, and n is the number of terms.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions about geometric sequences. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of geometric sequences and how to work with them.

Key Takeaways

A geometric sequence is a type of sequence where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed number called the common ratio.
The common ratio is a crucial component of a geometric sequence, determining how each term is related to the previous term.
To determine if a sequence is a geometric sequence, you can check if each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a fixed number.
A geometric sequence can have a negative common ratio, a common ratio that is a fraction, and a common ratio of 1.
To find the nth term of a geometric sequence, you can use the formula a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1).
To find the sum of the first n terms of a geometric sequence, you can use the formula S_n = a_1 * (1 - r^n) / (1 - r).