Answer:
a = 4
Step-by-step explanation: Given that
ar=2 where a is the first term and is the common ratio.
ar=2 ............1
Also give that a/1-r = 8 where a is the first term and r is the common ratio as well.
a/1-r = 8 ......... 2
From equation 1 make r the subject
ar=2
r= 2/a...........3
Put equation 3 into 2
a/1-2/a =8
a÷1-2/a
a = 8(1-2/a)
a= 8/1-16/a
a/1= 8a-16
a^2= 8a-16
Rewriting the above equation
a^2-8a+16=0
This will eventually be
a^2-8a+16=0
(a-4)^2= 0
a =4