The second and fifth term of a geometric series are 750 and -6 respectively. Find the common ratio of and the first term of the series?
1 Answer
Mar 1, 2017
Explanation:
The
#color(blue)"nth term of a geometric sequence"# is.
#color(red)(bar(ul(|color(white)(2/2)color(black)(a_n=ar^(n-1))color(white)(2/2)|)))#
where a is the first term and r, the common ratio.
#rArr"fifth term "=ar^4=-6to(2)# To find r, divide ( 2) by ( 1)
#rArr(cancel(a)r^4)/(cancel(a)r)=(-6)/750#
#rArrr^3=-1/125rArrr=-1/5# Substitute this value into ( 1) to find a
#rArraxx-1/5=750#
#rArra=750/(-1/5)=-3750#