Use the recursively defined geometric sequence a1=5/6

, an=4an−1
and find the common ratio.(1 point)
Responses

10/3
Start Fraction 10 over 3 End Fraction

−2/3
negative Start Fraction 2 over 3 End Fraction

4
4

5/6

1 answer

In a geometric sequence, the common ratio \( r \) can be found by examining the relationship between consecutive terms. The general formula for the \( n \)-th term of a geometric sequence can be expressed as:

\[ a_n = r \cdot a_{n-1} \]

Given the recursively defined sequence, we have:

  • \( a_1 = \frac{5}{6} \)
  • \( a_n = 4a_{n-1} \)

To find the common ratio \( r \), we can write it in terms of the recursive definition:

From the definition,

\[ a_n = 4a_{n-1} \]

To relate this to the formula for a geometric sequence, we can express the common ratio as \( r = \frac{a_n}{a_{n-1}} \).

Substituting with the given recursive formula:

\[ r = \frac{a_n}{a_{n-1}} = \frac{4a_{n-1}}{a_{n-1}} = 4 \]

Thus, the common ratio \( r \) is:

\[ \boxed{4} \]