Question

What is the common ratio of the geometric sequence below?
-96, 48, -24, 12, -6

Answer 1

-2

Explanation:

-96 / 48 = -2

48/-24 = -2

-24/12 = -2

12 / -6 = -2

If the numbers are alternating between positive and negative, the common ratio is negative.

To find the common ratio of a geometric sequence, you divide any two terms in the sequence.

Answer 2

COMMON RATIO

ANSWER:

• The common ratio (r) is -0.5 or -½.

— — — — — — — — — —

In order to get the common ratio, divide any term of geometric sequence to its preceding term.

`r = (any \: term)/(preceding \: term \: ) \: {\bold{or}} \: \: \boxed{r = ( a_(2))/(a_(1) )}`

Substitute the given term and its preceding term to our equation, we get:

• 
  `{r = ( a_(2))/(a_(1) )} \: \to \: \: \bold{(48)/( - 96) = \boxed{- 0.5 }}`

Thus, the answer in your question is -0.5 or -½.