AlgebraUnit 2

Finding a geometric common ratio

A geometric sequence has a constant multiplier .

  • A geometric sequence has a constant multiplier .
  • Divide a term by the previous nonzero term: . Check each pair.

Example 1

Find the common ratio of this sequence.

3, 6, 12, 24. \times2. \times2. \times2

Example 2

Find the common ratio of this sequence.

32, 16, 8, 4. \times\frac{1}{2}. \times\frac{1}{2}. \times\frac{1}{2}

Remember
Compare consecutive terms in the same direction each time.

Your turn

5 practice questions
Question 1

Find the common ratio of this sequence.

32, 16, 8, 4.
Check answer32, 16, 8, 4. \times\frac{1}{2}. \times\frac{1}{2}. \times\frac{1}{2}
Question 2

Find the common ratio of this sequence.

135, 45, 15, 5.
Check answer135, 45, 15, 5. \times\frac{1}{3}. \times\frac{1}{3}. \times\frac{1}{3}
Question 3

Find the common ratio of this sequence.

6, 12, 24, 48.
Check answer6, 12, 24, 48. \times2. \times2. \times2
Question 4

Find the common ratio of this sequence.

7, 21, 63, 189.
Check answer7, 21, 63, 189. \times3. \times3. \times3
Question 5

Find the common ratio of this sequence.

64, 32, 16, 8.
Check answer64, 32, 16, 8. \times\frac{1}{2}. \times\frac{1}{2}. \times\frac{1}{2}
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