Problema Solution
11. In a geometric sequence the sum of the 2nd and 3rd terms is 12 and the sum of the 3rd and 4th terms is 60. Find the common ratio and the first term.
Answer provided by our tutors
the general form of a geometric sequence is a, ar, ar^2, ar^3, ar^4... where a is the first term and r is the common ratio
the sum of the 2nd and 3rd terms is 12
ar^2 + ar^3 = 12
the sum of the 3rd and 4th terms is 60
ar^3 + ar^4 = 60
by solving the system of equations
ar^2 + ar^3 = 12
ar^3 + ar^4 = 60
we find
a = 0.08
r = 5
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the first term is 0.08.
the common ratio is 5.