Question

The first three terms of a geometric sequence are as follows.

-5, -10, -20
Find the next two terms of this sequence.
Give exact values (not decimal approximations).

Answer 1

Answer: The common ratio (r) of a geometric sequence can be found by dividing any term by its preceding term. Let's use the first two terms of the sequence:

r = (-10) / (-5) = 2

Now that we know the common ratio, we can find the next two terms:

The fourth term:

a4 = ar^3 = (-5)(2)^3 = -40

The fifth term:

a5 = ar^4 = (-5)(2)^4 = -80

Therefore, the next two terms of the sequence are -40 and -80, respectively.

Explanation: