Final answer:
The first term of the geometric sequence is 972. Since we already have the first term of the sequence, the answer is simply 972.
Step-by-step explanation:
The formula to find the nth term of a geometric sequence is:
An = A1 * r(n-1)
Given that r = -3 and A1 = 972, we can plug in these values to find the first term:
A1 = 972 * (-3)(1-1)
A1 = 972 * (-3)0
A1 = 972 * 1
A1 = 972
Therefore, the first term of the geometric sequence is 972.