nirjagrl wrote:In a geometric sequence, each term is a constant multiple of the preceding one. if the first three terms in a geometric sequence are -2, x and -8 which of the following could be the sixth term in the series.
a. -4096
b. -32
c. 32
d. 1024
e. 2048
Confused between b and c... Please enlighten
As shown by Gaurav, the question has 2 problems:
1. The common factor can be calculated to either 2 or -2. With 2 as the common factor the first 3 terms of the series would be -2, -4, -8... whereas with -2 as the common factor the first 3 terms of the series would be -2, 4, -8... With either of the common factor it adheres to -2, x, -8
2. With the common factor problem, the solution of the sixth term should be either 64 or -64. (-2, 4, -8, 16, -32, 64 OR -2, -4, -8, -16, -32, -64). Since neither 64, nor -64 are in the list of options, the question cannot be answered
Regards,
Aparna Aggarwal
