College Algebra · Chapter 14

Geometric Sequences

In a geometric sequence every term is the one before it multiplied by the same number — the common ratio r. Drag r below and watch the terms explode, collapse toward zero, or flip sign at every step.

First 8 terms

bars scaled to the largest term; sign shown above or below the zero line

Geometric sequencedrag the sliders to begin

Common ratio r2 First term a₁2

a_n = a₁ · r⁽ⁿ⁻¹⁾ = 2 · 2⁽ⁿ⁻¹⁾