### 3.1.3 Quiz: Geometric Sequences

Question 3 of 10:

The second term in a geometric sequence is 20. The fourth term in the same sequence is [tex]\(\frac{45}{4}\)[/tex], or 11.25. What is the common ratio in this sequence?

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Answer: __________________

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Answer :

To find the common ratio in a geometric sequence, we can use the information provided regarding the second and fourth terms.

1. Define the given terms:
- The second term ( [tex]\(A_2\)[/tex] ) of the geometric sequence is 20.
- The fourth term ( [tex]\(A_4\)[/tex] ) of the geometric sequence is 11.25.

2. Use the general formula for the [tex]\(n\)[/tex]th term in a geometric sequence:
[tex]\[ A_n = A_1 \cdot r^{(n-1)} \][/tex]
Where:
- [tex]\(A_n\)[/tex] is the [tex]\(n\)[/tex]th term,
- [tex]\(A_1\)[/tex] is the first term,
- [tex]\(r\)[/tex] is the common ratio,
- [tex]\(n\)[/tex] is the term number.

3. Write the equations for the given terms:
- For [tex]\(A_2\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ A_2 = A_1 \cdot r^1 \][/tex]
Given [tex]\(A_2 = 20\)[/tex], we get:
[tex]\[ 20 = A_1 \cdot r \][/tex]

- For [tex]\(A_4\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ A_4 = A_1 \cdot r^3 \][/tex]
Given [tex]\(A_4 = 11.25\)[/tex], we get:
[tex]\[ 11.25 = A_1 \cdot r^3 \][/tex]

4. Divide the second equation by the first equation to eliminate [tex]\(A_1\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \frac{A_1 \cdot r^3}{A_1 \cdot r} = \frac{11.25}{20} \][/tex]
Simplifies to:
[tex]\[ r^2 = \frac{11.25}{20} \][/tex]

5. Calculate [tex]\(r^2\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ r^2 = \frac{45}{4} \div 20 = \frac{45}{80} = 0.5625 \][/tex]

6. Find [tex]\(r\)[/tex] by taking the square root of [tex]\(r^2\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ r = \sqrt{0.5625} = 0.75 \][/tex]

Therefore, the common ratio [tex]\(r\)[/tex] in this geometric sequence is 0.75.