Question

Consider the geometric sequence below.

8, 4, 2, 1, ..

Given that the sequence is represented by the function fin), determine the value of f(1) and find the common ratio.

f(1) = 8

Common ratio: 0.5

f(1) = 8

Common ratio: 2

f(1) = 4

Common ratio: 2

f(1) = 4

Common ratio: 0.5

Answer 1

f(1) = 8

Common ratio: 0.5

Explanation:

f(1) means the firs term in a sequence.

In the function f(n), represented by 8, 4, 2, 1, .., the first term is 8.

f(1) = 8

To find the common ratio, divide any term by the term before it.

We can use any two of the given terms in the sequence EXCEPT for 8 because it is the first term and does not have a term before it.

I choose to divide the second term by the first term:

4/8 = 1/2 = 0.5