Curriculum placement
Algebra 1. This describes the skill, not a learner estimate.
Rules for a geometric sequence
Translate geometric sequences between recursive and explicit rules
Problem types
- Ratios and terms of geometric sequences
- Geometric sequences
- Geometric sequence as a function
- Recursive and explicit geometric rules
- Choose the recursive rule for a percent change each year
- Find a term of a geometric sequence with a negative ratio or first term
Builds on
- Laws of exponents
- Percent increase and decrease · Earlier idea
Repeated percent growth multiplies by the same factor each time, which makes a geometric sequence.
- Patterns that follow a rule · Earlier idea
A rule that multiplies by the same number each step gives a geometric sequence rather than one that adds.
Leads to
- Building an exponential model
- Sums of a finite geometric sequence
- Solving exponential and logarithmic equations · See it applied
Finding which term of a geometric sequence reaches a value solves an exponential equation.
Related skills
- Patterns in the operations · Related idea
A multiplication table pattern adds the same amount each step; a pattern that multiplies by the same amount each step is a geometric sequence.
- Adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials · Shared foundations
- Rational exponents and radicals · Shared foundations
- Working in scientific notation · Shared foundations
Open the interactive map to explore lessons and skill connections.