How do you write the first five terms of the geometric sequence a_n = 5a_(n-1); a_1 = 3?

1 Answer
Jan 19, 2016

3, 15, 75, 375, 1875

Explanation:

a_n = a_1r^(n - 1)

a_n = 5a_(n - 1)

a_1 = 3


a_2 = 3r

But
a_2 = 5a_(2 - 1) = 5a_1

=> 3r = 5a_1
=> 3r = 5*3
=> r = 5


Using a_n = a_1r^(n - 1) with a_1 = 3 and r = 5, the first 5 terms are

3, 15, 75, 375, 1875