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Ch. 8 - Sequences, Induction, and Probability
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBlitzer 8th EditionCh. 8 - Sequences, Induction, and ProbabilityProblem 13
Chapter 9, Problem 13

Use the formula for the general term (the nth term) of a geometric sequence to find the indicated term of each sequence with the given first term, a1 and common ratio, r. Find a40 when a1 = 1000, r = - 1/2

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Recall the formula for the nth term of a geometric sequence: \(a_n = a_1 \times r^{n-1}\), where \(a_1\) is the first term, \(r\) is the common ratio, and \(n\) is the term number.
Identify the given values: the first term \(a_1 = 1000\), the common ratio \(r = -\frac{1}{2}\), and the term to find is \(a_{40}\), so \(n = 40\).
Substitute the known values into the formula: \(a_{40} = 1000 \times \left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^{40-1}\).
Simplify the exponent expression: \(a_{40} = 1000 \times \left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^{39}\).
Evaluate the power \(\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^{39}\) carefully, noting that since 39 is odd, the result will be negative, and then multiply by 1000 to find \(a_{40}\).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Geometric Sequence

A geometric sequence is a list of numbers where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a constant called the common ratio. This ratio can be positive, negative, or a fraction, affecting the sequence's behavior. Understanding this helps identify how terms progress.
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General Term Formula of a Geometric Sequence

The nth term of a geometric sequence is given by the formula a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1), where a_1 is the first term, r is the common ratio, and n is the term number. This formula allows direct calculation of any term without listing all previous terms.
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Handling Negative and Fractional Common Ratios

When the common ratio is negative or a fraction, the terms alternate in sign or decrease in magnitude respectively. This affects the sequence's pattern and must be carefully applied in the formula to correctly find terms like a_40.
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