Two terms in a geometric sequence are a3=729 and a4=243.

What is the first term of the sequence, and what is the recursive rule that describes the sequence?


Answer :

The first term of the given sequence (a) = 6561

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the first term = a and common difference = d

Given,

[tex]a_{3}[/tex] = 729 and [tex]a_{4}[/tex] = 243

To find, the first term of the given sequence (a) = ?

We know that,

The nth term of a G.P.

[tex]a_{n} =ar^{n-1}[/tex]

The 3rd term of a G.P.

[tex]a_{3} =ar^{3-1}[/tex]

[tex]ar^{2}[/tex] = 729          ..............(1)

The 4th term of a G.P.

[tex]a_{4} =ar^{4-1}[/tex]

[tex]ar^{3}[/tex] = 243          ..............(2)

Dividing equation (2) by (1), we get

[tex]\dfrac{ar^{3}}{ar^{2}}[/tex] = [tex]\dfrac{243}{729}[/tex]

⇒ [tex]r=\dfrac{1}{3}[/tex]

Put [tex]r=\dfrac{1}{3}[/tex] in equation (1), we get

[tex]a(\dfrac{1}{3})^{2}[/tex] = 729    

⇒ [tex]a(\dfrac{1}{9})[/tex] = 729    

⇒ a = 9 × 729 = 6561

∴ The first term of the given sequence (a) = 6561

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