Question

Determine if the sequence below is arithmetic or geometric and determine the

common difference / ratio in simplest form.
36, 12, 4, ...

Answer 1

geometric sequence

Explanation:

an arithmetic sequence has a common difference d between consecutive terms.

12 - 36 = - 24

4 - 12 = - 8

there is not a common difference so sequence is not arithmetic.

a geometric sequence has a common ratio r between consecutive terms.

`(12)/(36)` =
`(1)/(3)`

`(4)/(12)` =
`(1)/(3)`

there is a common ratio so sequence is geometric