Lesson 4
1. Lesson 4
1.8. Explore 4
Module 1: Sequences and Series
The General Term of a Geometric Sequence
Recall that the general term is the formula that describes the terms of a sequence. In Try This 3, you may have discovered that the general term of a geometric sequence is as follows:
tn = arn−1 
As a rule, you can use the general term to solve problems related to specific terms of a geometric sequence.
tn = the value of the nth term
a = the first term of the sequence
r = the common ratio
n = the position of the term
This is a good time to add the geometric sequence general term to your copy of Formula Sheet.
Turn to page 35 of the textbook. Read “Example 2” and study the solution. Pay careful attention to the following:
- how the general term is established
- the order in which the number operations are performed
Remember that the general term in the textbook uses t1 in place of a.
Self-Check 2
Complete Geometric Sequence Self-Check.