Geometric Sequences and Series (1 of 2)

Part 1:
I explain the difference between arithmetic (common difference -- addition, d) and geometric (common ratio -- multiplication, r) sequences. Then I show the relation between geometric sequences and exponential functions (y=ab^x). I develop the nth term equation for geometric sequences by showing how the repeated multiplication involved is really just an exponent.

Part 2:
Problems covered:
Find the nth term equation for the geometric sequence or find a specific term given:
1. The first few terms
2. A term and the common ratio
3. 2 different terms

The formula for the sum of a geometric series is developed (rather quickly), and then I show how to use it to find the sum of a geometric series, given a series of numbers of summation (sigma) notation.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• algebra
• tutoring
• math
• geometric
• sequence
• series
• nth
• term
• equation
• formula
• common
• ratio
• graph
• plot
• sum
• sigma
• notation
• summation