How to find the first five terms of a geometric sequence

The video tutorial explains how to find the first five terms of a sequence using a given ratio. It introduces the formula a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1) and demonstrates its application through step-by-step calculations. The instructor identifies patterns in the sequence and corrects errors, emphasizing the importance of understanding the formula's components. The tutorial concludes with a brief mention of another example.

What is the formula used to find the nth term of a sequence?

• a_n = a_1 + r^(n-1)

• a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)

• a_n = a_1 - r^(n-1)

• a_n = a_1 / r^(n-1)

If a_1 is 4 and the ratio r is -1/4, what is the second term a_2?

• 1

• -1/4

• -1

• 4

How do you calculate the third term a_3 using the given formula?

• 4 * (-1/4)^3

• 4 * (-1/4)^0

• 4 * (-1/4)^2

• 4 * (-1/4)^1

What is the correct sign of the term when the exponent is even?

• Negative

• Positive

• Undefined

• Zero

What should you do after recognizing the pattern in the sequence?

• Continue calculating the remaining terms

• Stop calculating further terms

• Recalculate the first term

• Change the ratio