Question

Find the common ratio for the following sequence. 1/2, -1/4, 1/8, -1/16, ... - 2 - 2

Answer 1

Common ratio is -1/2

Explanation:

Common ratio is the amount between each number in a geometric sequence.

It is called the common ratio because it is the same to each number.

Common ratio is the ratio between two successive numbers in a geometric sequence.

Common is a gotten by either division or multiplication.

Therefore in the case above

1/2 x -1/2 = -1/4 ......

-1/4 x -1/2 = 1/8 ......

1/8 x -1/2 = -1/16 ....etc

Therefore our common ratio is -1/2

Answer 2

The common ratio for the given geometric sequence is -1/2.

Explanation:

The common ratio in a geometric sequence is simply the number that multiplies one term to arrive at the next term. From the sequence given, we can let the common ratio be x and determine its value using any of the following set of equations;

1/2 * x = -1/4

-1/4 * x = 1/8

1/8 * x = -1/16

using the first equation;

1/2 * x = -1/4

we divide both sides by 1/2 to solve for x.

x = (-1/4)/(1/2)

x = -1/4 * 2

x = -1/2

Thus, the common ratio for the given geometric sequence is -1/2.