For the following sequence determine the common difference (if it is an arithmetic sequence) or the common ratio (if it is a geometric sequence).3,−3,−9,…−1−1−66
Q. For the following sequence determine the common difference (if it is an arithmetic sequence) or the common ratio (if it is a geometric sequence).3,−3,−9,…−1−1−66
Identify Sequence Type: To determine whether the sequence is arithmetic or geometric, we need to look at the pattern of the numbers. In an arithmetic sequence, the difference between consecutive terms is constant. In a geometric sequence, the ratio between consecutive terms is constant.
Calculate Difference: 1st Two Terms: Let's first check if the sequence is arithmetic by finding the difference between the first two terms: −3−3=−6.
Calculate Difference: 2nd & 3rd Terms: Now, let's check the difference between the second and third terms: −9−(−3)=−9+3=−6.
Confirm Arithmetic Sequence: Since the difference between consecutive terms is the same −6, the sequence is an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of −6.
Skip Checking for Geometric Sequence: We do not need to check for a common ratio because we have already determined that the sequence is arithmetic, not geometric.
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