Chapter 19: Problem 29
Find the indicated quantities.Is \(3,3^{x+1}, 3^{2 x+1}, \ldots\) a geometric sequence? Explain. If it is, find \(a_{20}\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
Yes, it is a geometric sequence, and \(a_{20} = 3^{19x+1}\).
Step by step solution
01
Determine if the sequence is geometric
A sequence is geometric if there is a constant ratio, called the common ratio, between consecutive terms. The given sequence is \(3, 3^{x+1}, 3^{2x+1}, \ldots\). To find the common ratio, compute the ratios of successive terms. The ratio of the second term to the first term is \(\frac{3^{x+1}}{3} = 3^x\). The ratio of the third term to the second term is \(\frac{3^{2x+1}}{3^{x+1}} = 3^x\). Since both ratios are the same, the sequence is geometric with a common ratio of \(3^x\).
02
Identify the first term of the sequence
In any geometric sequence, the first term \(a_1\) is the starting number of the sequence. Here, the first term \(a_1\) is given as 3.
03
Use the formula to find the nth term of a geometric sequence
The general formula for the nth term of a geometric sequence is \(a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{(n-1)}\), where \(a_1\) is the first term and \(r\) is the common ratio. For this sequence, \(a_1 = 3\) and \(r = 3^x\). Substitute these into the formula to get \(a_n = 3 \cdot (3^x)^{(n-1)}\).
04
Calculate the 20th term \(a_{20}\)
Now substitute \(n = 20\) into the nth term formula: \(a_{20} = 3 \cdot (3^x)^{19}\). This simplifies to \(a_{20} = 3 \cdot 3^{19x} = 3^{1 + 19x}\). Therefore, \(a_{20} = 3^{19x+1}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Ratio
In a geometric sequence, one of the vital concepts is the **common ratio**. This is the ratio between any two consecutive terms in the sequence. To determine if a sequence is geometric, check if this ratio is consistent, or remains the same, for all term pairs.
- For instance, in the sequence given in the exercise, the first few terms are \(3, 3^{x+1}, 3^{2x+1}, \ldots\)
- We calculate the ratio between the second term and the first term: \(\frac{3^{x+1}}{3} = 3^x\).
- Again, between the third term and the second term: \(\frac{3^{2x+1}}{3^{x+1}} = 3^x\).
Nth Term Formula
The nth term formula is a tool that allows us to find any term in a geometric sequence, without listing all the terms. This formula is expressed as:
- \(a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{(n-1)}\) where:
- \(a_1\) is the first term of the sequence,
- \(r\) is the common ratio, and
- \(n\) is the position of the term you want to find.
- The first term, \(a_1\), is 3.
- The common ratio, \(r\), is \(3^x\).
- Thus, the nth term formula becomes \(a_n = 3 \cdot (3^x)^{n-1}\).
Sequence Analysis
**Sequence analysis** involves examining the pattern and structure of a sequence. Here, it involves confirming that repetitive patterns exist and comply with the rules of geometric sequences.
- Initially, we identify the common ratio among the terms, ensuring a consistent mathematical pattern.
- Then, we utilize the nth term formula to not only confirm the pattern but also to predict future terms.
- This step remains crucial for solidifying the understanding of how terms evolve within the sequence.
Exponential Sequences
Geometric sequences like the one in this exercise are often examples of **exponential sequences** due to the exponential nature in which they expand. Let's explore why:
- In a geometric sequence, the ratio between terms is constantly multiplied by the common ratio, which is an exponential factor.
- This repeated multiplication leads to the sequence growing at an exponential rate.
- For instance, each term in the sequence \(3^{x+1}, 3^{2x+1}, \ldots\) involves raising to increasing powers, further highlighting their exponential properties.