What is the fifth term of the geometric sequence?

5,15,45,...

(1 point)
Responses

3645
3645

1875
1875

405
405

1215

1 answer

To find the fifth term of the geometric sequence given (5, 15, 45,...), we first identify the common ratio.

The first term \( a_1 = 5 \). The second term \( a_2 = 15 \). The third term \( a_3 = 45 \).

To find the common ratio \( r \), we can divide the second term by the first term:

\[ r = \frac{a_2}{a_1} = \frac{15}{5} = 3 \]

We can also verify this with the third term:

\[ r = \frac{a_3}{a_2} = \frac{45}{15} = 3 \]

So, the common ratio is \( r = 3 \).

Now, we can find the subsequent terms using the formula for the \( n \)-th term of a geometric sequence:

\[ a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{(n-1)} \]

For the fifth term \( a_5 \):

\[ a_5 = a_1 \cdot r^{(5-1)} = 5 \cdot 3^4 \]

Calculating \( 3^4 \):

\[ 3^4 = 3 \cdot 3 \cdot 3 \cdot 3 = 81 \]

Now substitute back:

\[ a_5 = 5 \cdot 81 = 405 \]

Thus, the fifth term of the geometric sequence is \( 405 \).

Therefore, the answer is:

405