LESSON NO.

2: GEOMETRIC SEQUENCE AND SERIES

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
1. Illustrates a geometric sequence.
2. Differentiates a geometric sequence from an arithmetic sequence.

In the previous lesson, you learned how arithmetic sequences and series can help you predict outcomes of certain
real life problems. In this section, you will be able to discover a new sequence and series that you can use to help
predict the outcomes of more real life problems. Be reminded to take each activity seriously. Make a conscious effort
to highlight the new concepts that you will be learning.

Let us begin this lesson by reading a short story about a king in India who loved to play games. Discover
how this story led to the invention of a very popular game which most students today find challenging and mentally
engaging.

ACTIVITY 1. The Math In Chess

Hundreds and hundreds of years ago, there was a King in India who loved to play games. But he had gotten bored of
the games that were present at the time and wanted a new game that was much more challenging. He commissioned
a poor mathematician who lived in his kingdom to come up with a new game.

After months of struggling with all kinds of ideas, the mathematician came up with the game of Chaturanga. The
game had two armies each led by a King who commanded the army to defeat the other by capturing the enemy King.
It was played on a simple 8×8 square board. The King loved this game so much that he offered to give the poor
mathematician anything he wished for. "I would like one grain of rice for the first square of the board, two grains for
the second, four grains for the third and so on doubled for each of the 64 squares of the game board." said the
mathematician.

"Is that all? Why don't you ask for gold or silver coins instead of rice grains?,"asked the King. "The rice is sufficient
for me," replied the mathematician. The King ordered his staff to lay down the grains of rice and soon learned that all
the wealth in his kingdom would not be enough to buy because the amount of rice was exhausted before the 30th
square was reached. You have provided me with such a great game and yet I cannot fulfill your simple wish. You are
indeed a genius!" said the King and offered to make the mathematician his top most adviser then.

Are you wondering to know exactly how many grains of rice would be needed on the 64th square and
what is the number of rice grains would be needed for all 64 squares? Let us try to discover the answer by
doing the next activity.

PROCESS QUESTIONS:
13

Complete the table below:

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First Square Second Square Third Square Fourth Square Fifth Square Sixth Square

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 Find the ratio between two consecutive terms.
1. What kind of relationship did you find between the ratios?
2. How can you find a way to find the number of grains inside the 20 th square?
3. How can one find a way to solve for the sum of the terms in the first twenty squares?

You just tried finding out how sequences and series can be used to model and solve real-life problems. It is now
time to learn more about geometric sequences and series. What you will learn in the next sections will also enable you
to do the final project which involves looking at real-life situations that involve decision making and coming up with
sound recommendations.

Your goal in this section is to learn and understand key concepts of geometric sequences and series. You will
learn the important skills that are necessary in order to understand the succeeding lessons in this module. It is advised
that for every new term that you encounter, be sure to define it in your own words aside from the definitions
presented to you.

We will start by doing the next activity.

ACTIVITY 2. What’s Up Geometric?

In this activity, you will try to find out what a geometric sequence is. As you read the article, try to highlight
the important words that you encounter. If you do not know the meaning of these words, try looking for the meaning
in the dictionary. Click on the link to read the article entitled, “Geometric Sequences:”
https://share.ehs.uen.org/sites/default/files/Unit06Lesson03_0.pdf. Please read only the first five pages of the article.

After reading the article, complete the Frayer’s model below:

Definition Facts/Characteristics

Geometric
Examples Sequence Non-examples

PROCESS QUESTIONS:
1. How did you come up with the list of facts and characteristics of the geometric sequence?
2. Do all the examples that you have given have all the essential characteristics?
3. How did you come up with the non-examples? Why do you consider these as non-examples? Support your
answer.
4. How did the listing down of non-examples help you understand fully the concept?
14

ACTIVITY 3. The Big Difference

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In the previous lesson, you learned what arithmetic sequences are. In this activity, you will now be asked to read an
article entitled “Comparison of Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences.”

Please bear in mind the following reminders are you read the article:

Open
1. If there are words which are unfamiliar to you, look for the meaning in the the
dictionary. link
2. While you pay attention on the differences between the two sequences, below
try to find some similarities as well. to be
able to
read
the article:https://share.ehs.uen.org/sites/default/files/Unit06Lesson04_0.pdf

Now that you have finished reading the article, let us find out if you are able to complete the Venn Diagram below
completely.

GEOMETRIC
SEQUENCE

After completing the Venn diagram, complete the following statements below:

An arithmetic sequence and a geometric sequence are similar because they both
.
They are different because

ACTIVITY 4. Magic List Of Terms

As you go through the lesson, it is important that you gain correct understanding of the terms that you will be
needing as the lesson progresses. Try completing the table below by defining some of the terms in the first column
and try to use each term in a meaningful sentence.

Terms Own definition Sentence

1. sequence
2. common ratio
15

3. recursive formula
4. term
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5. general formula

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ACTIVITY 5. The Search Is On

Now that you have learned what a geometric sequence is, it is now time to find out how the terms of a
geometric sequence are derived. By this link, http://web.psjaisd.us/auston.cron/ABCronPortal/.../ppt/lat04_1103.ppt,
you will be able to view the Powerpoint presentation below that will help you understand how to find the terms of a
geometric sequence.
You can also find it in your E-math book. Open page 43 then you can see its meaning and formula.

ACTIVITY 6. Skill Builder

After learning preliminary concepts on geometric sequences, it is now time to help you build your skills. In
this activity, you will answer a worksheet that contains important skills that you need to practice. (Write your answer
on a whole sheet of paper.)
A. Determine if the sequence is geometric. If it is, find the common ratio.
1) −1, 6, −36, 216,...
2) −1, 1, 4, 8,...
3) 4, 16, 36, 64, ...
4) −3, −15, −75, −375, ...
5) −2, −4, −8, −16, ...
6) 1, −5, 25, −125, ...
B. Find the eighth and eleventh terms of each geometric sequence.
7.) 6, 18, 54, 162, …
1 1
8.) , , 1, 2, …
4 2
C. Find the indicated term of each geometric sequence.
9.) a1 , = 7, r = 3, a10 =?
10.) a3 = 12, a6 = 96, a11 = ?

ACTIVITY 7. Geometric Series

It is now time to discover what a geometric series is all about. To find out, kindly read the article found in
this website: http://wwwf.imperial.ac.uk/metric/metric_public/algebra/series/geometric_series.h tml. Make sure to
take note of the significant difference between a geometric sequence and a geometric series. Also, bear in mind some
formulas that are needed and the purpose of these.

If you are offline, you can read the definition and formula of geometric series on page 47 of your book.

PROCESS QUESTIONS: (These questions will be your guide in studying Geometric series.)
1. What is a geometric series?
2. How is it different from a geometric sequence?
3. What are the two formulas that can be used to solve for geometric series?
4. What must be the reason why two formulas are provided?

ACTIVITY 8. Finite And Infinite Geometric Series

A geometric series can be finite or infinite. It is now time to find out the difference between the two by
watching two videos through this link:
VIDEO 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ0oVPoEm60&list=PL8880EEBC26894DF4 &index=100
VIDEO 2:
16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIYc8TYxbY8&index=101&list=PL8880EEBC2 6894DF4
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You can also find it on your book.

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mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the writer except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other
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 Now that you have finished viewing the videos, let us find out if you are able to complete the Venn Diagram
below completely

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Page

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mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the writer except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other
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After completing the Venn diagram, complete the following statements
below:

A finite geometric series and an infinite geometric series are similar because they

They are different because

ACTIVITY 9. The Problem With The Ball

In this activity, you will now be asked to look at more examples of problems that make use of
geometric series. Watch the video through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx2hp_1MTuQ.

PROCESS QUESTIONS:
1. What kind of problem was presented in the video?
2. Why does the problem make use of geometric series?
3. What other things did you learn from the video?
4. Did you make use of finite or infinite geometric series? Why?

ACTIVITY 10.Finding Meaning In A Geometric Mean?

Another important concept that you need to learn is the geometric mean. Find out what this is by
watching the video through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UdGUULKN-E. Be able to
note its differences with the arithmetic mean which you learned in the previous lesson.

PROCESS QUESTIONS:
1. Define a geometric mean.
2. How is it solved?
3. How is it different from an arithmetic mean?
4. Why do you need to learn it?

ACTIVITY 11.Re-Search

You might be wondering how the sequence got its name. Allow yourself first to know the man
behind this new sequence – Fibonacci. Use the resources on the Internet to do some research about his
life.

After doing it, kindly read page 64 of your book which discuss “Fibonacci”.

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electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the writer except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical
reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copy right law.
ACTIVITY 12.Summing It Up (Tabular Comparison)

After learning all the sequences and series, you will now compare the different sequences that
you have learned by completing the table below. Copy the table that you see below to a whole sheet of
paper. Complete the table with the appropriate information needed.

Sequences Description Formulas Real Life Significant Notes

Examples
Arithmetic

Harmonic

Geometric

Fibonacci

DEEPEN

Now that you have learned the important skills needed to understand sequences and
series, your goals in this section is to look at some real-life situations where we can apply the concepts
that you have learned.
In the next three activities, you will now be asked to solve real life problems that make use of geometric
sequences and series. Show the solution to each problem and complete the statement below.

ACTIVITY 13.The Mathematics In Banking

Suppose that Miguel saves P100 in January and that each amount thereafter he manages to save
one-half more than what he has saved in the previous month. How much is Miguel’s total savings after 10
months?

The outcome of the real life problem is easily predicted by ____________________________________.

The choice of the type of series to be used depends on ______________________________________.

TRANSFER

You have now reached the final task for this module. Presented below are three tasks you can
choose from. These tasks will allow you to consider various situations in real life that make use of the
concepts of sequences and series. You will only choose one task which you prefer to do. The same
standards will be used to assess your work.

TASK 1:

You are working as one of the financial advisers of a leading firm in your city. A newlywed
couple comes to your office and asks you to assist them in deciding which among the housing loans
offered by BPI, Banco de Oro and Metrobank will allow them to save money and pay off the loan within
15 years. You are tasked to make a housing loan comparison and come up with recommendations
afterwards. Your recommendations will be presented to the head of your firm and the couple. It will be
graded according to the following criteria: accuracy of representation and computations, practicality of
the recommendation, authenticity of data and applications of sequences.

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electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the writer except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical
reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copy right law.
TASK 2:

You are a manager of a certain rural bank in your province. Since your bank is new to the
community, the owner requested you to come up with schemes that will entice potential clients to deposit
their money in the bank. You are expected to come up with a brochure that shows the possible schemes
that clients could choose from. Your recommendations will be presented to the head of your firm and the
couple. You work will be graded according to the following criteria: accuracy of representation and
computations, practicality of the recommendation, authenticity of data and applications of sequences.

TASK 3:

You are a finance officer of a certain advertising company. The Chief Operating officer wants to
know the future salary schemes that the company could offer to its employees in the next five years
following the existing fixed percentage increase per year. You are expected to come up with a five-year
salary scale scheme for the employees of the company. You work will be graded according to the
following criteria: accuracy of representation and computations, practicality of the recommendation,
authenticity of data and applications of sequences.

Scoring Rubric

4 3 2 1
Criteria Excellent Proficient Progressing Beginning

Authenticity The data used are authentic The data used are Some of the data used are Data are not useful and
of Data and updated. Data authentic. Data are taken not authentic. relevant.
are taken from reliable from reliable resources.
resources.

Accuracy of the Computations are accurate Computations are accurate Computations are correct Most of the
Computations and supported with and supported with but interpretation is computations and
correct and detailed correct interpretation incorrect. interpretations are
interpretation. erroneous.

Practicality of The recommendation The recommendation The recommendation The recommendation

Recommen suggests a bank suggests a bank suggests a bank suggests a bank
Dation which offers the which offers a which offers a which offers the

lowest loan reasonable loan interest bigger loan biggest loan

interest which will be paid which will be paid for 15 interest which will be interest which will be paid
for 15 years. years. paid for 15 years. for 15 years.
Application of the Theformulation of The formulation of The formulation of The formulation of
Concepts of mathematical equation mathematical equation mathematical equation mathematical equation
Sequences derived from sequences derived from sequences derived from sequences derived from sequences
and series is correct with and series is and series does not use and series is
additional model to correct. the defined variables. incorrect.
support it.

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electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the writer except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical
reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copy right law.
 QUIZ

It’s now time to evaluate your learning. Choose the letter of the answer that you think best answers
the question. Answer it on a whole sheet of paper. If you do well, you may move on to the next
module. If your score is not at the expected level, you have to go back and take the module again.

1. Which is the next term in the sequence 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, . . . ?

A. 19
B. 21
C. 23
D. 25
2. Which of the following sequences is NOT arithmetic?

A. 2, 6, 10, 14, ...

B. –60, –45, –30, –15, ...
C. 54, 51, 48, 45, ...
1
D. - , 1, 2, 4, ...
2

3. Find the next three terms of the geometric sequence below.

4, 12, 36, , ,

A. 104, 312, 936

B. 108, 324, 972
C. 72, 108, 324
D. 72, 216, 648

4. Which is the third term of the sequence defined by an = 4n + 6?

A. 6
B. 10
C. 14
D. 18

5.What is the rule for the nth term of the arithmetic sequence
with a21 = 147 and common difference d = 11?
A. an = 11n - 21
B. an = 11n - 42
C. an = 11n + 21
D. an = 11n – 84
6. Which is the rule for the nth term of the geometric
sequence -3, -6, -12, - 24, -48, . . . ?

A. an = 2(-3)n – 1
B. an = -3(2)n – 1
C. an = 3(-2)n – 1
D. an = -3(-2)n – 1
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electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the writer except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical
reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copy right law.
 7. Which is the sum of the first twelve terms of the geometric series 1 + 2 + 4
+ 8 + 16 + . . ?

A. 4095
B. 1060
C. 880
D. 1850

8. What is the common ratio of an infinite geometric series

whose sum is 30 and the first term is 6?

A. 2/3
B. 1/5
C. 3/4
D. 4/5

9. Joan started a new job with an annual salary of P150 000 in

1997. If she receives a P12 000 raise each year, how much
will her salary be in 2007?

A. P250 000
B. P270 000
C. P290 000
D. P302 000
The first term is 150000 and the common difference is 12000.
Using the formula,

a10= 150000 + (10) 12000 = 270000

10. In June, Cory begins to save money for a video game and a TV
he wants to buy in December. He starts with $20. Each
month, he plans to save 10% more than the previous month.
How much money will he have at the end of December?

A. $154.31
B. $251.59
C. $228.72
D. $189.74
22

11. A large asteroid crashed into a moon of a planet, causing

Page

several boulders from the moon to be propelled into space

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electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the writer except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical
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 toward the planet. Astronomers were able to measure the
speed of one of the projectiles. The distance (in feet) that the
projectile traveled each second, starting with the first second,
was given by the arithmetic sequence 26, 44, 62, 80, … Find
the total distance that the projectile traveled in seven
seconds.

A. 434 feet
B. 560 feet
C. 212 feet
D. 426 feet

12. A mine worker discovers an ore sample containing 500 mg of

radioactive material. It is discovered that the radioactive
material has a half life of 1 day. Find the amount of
radioactive material in the sample at the beginning of the 7th
day.

A. 6 mg
B. 7.8125 mg
C. 8.025 mg
D. 9.012 mg

13. You visit the Grand Canyon and drop a penny off the edge of
a cliff. The distance the penny will fall is 16 feet the first
second, 48 feet the next second, 80 feet the third second,
and so on in an arithmetic sequence. What is the total
distance the object will fall in 6 seconds?

A. 176 ft.
B. 300 ft.
C. 576 ft.
D. 1250 ft.

14. After knee surgery, your trainer tells you to return to your
jogging program slowly. He suggests jogging for 12 minutes
each day for the first week. Each week thereafter, he
suggests that you increase that time by 6 minutes per day.
How many weeks will it be before you are up to jogging 60
minutes per day?

A. 9 weeks
B. 8 weeks
C. 6 weeks
D. 12 weeks

15. Your brother wishes to save P300.00 for ten days. He plans
23

to save P20.00 on the first day from his allowance of P100.00.

On the second day, he plans to increase his savings by P5.00
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and so on. Given that he needs to spend a minimum of

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electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the writer except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical
reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copy right law.
 P50.00 a day for food and allot some amount for class
projects, what recommendations can you suggest so he will
be able to target his goal?

A. Start saving P10.00 on the first day and increase his

savings by P5.00 per
day.
B. Save P50.00 a day for seven days.
C. Increase the interval per day.
D. Save P20.00 per day for the first seven days and divide
the remaining amount equally for the last three days.

16. You are an accomplished architect in your city. Since your school is
transferring to another campus, you are hired to design its theater.
You decide to design the theater with 15 seats in the first row, 18 in
the second, 21 in the third, and so on. If the school requires that the
theater should have a seating capacity of 870, how many rows must
you use in the design?

A. 20
B. 24
C. 26
D. 28
17. Consider the sequence: 16, -8, 4, -2, 1
Which is the best description of the pattern formed?

A. Multiply the previous term by 1/2.

B. Divide the previous term by -2.
C. Multiply the previous term by -1/4.
D. Subtract from the previous term 8.

18. A recovering heart attack patient is told to get on a regular

walking program. The patient is told to walk a distance of 5
km the first week, 8 km the second week, 11 km the third
week and so on for a period of 10 weeks. At that point the
patient is to maintain the distance walked during the 10 th
week. How far will the patient walk during the 10th week?

A. 32
B. 35
C. 36
D. 39

19. You are working as one of the financial advisers of a leading

firm in your city. A client comes to your office and asks you to
assist them in deciding which among the housing loans
24

offered by BPI, Banco de Oro and Metrobank will allow them

Page

to save money and pay off the loan within 15 years. You are

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electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the writer except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical
reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copy right law.
 tasked to make a housing loan comparison and come up with
recommendations afterwards.
Which should be the characteristics of you report?
A. Profile of the Bank and Authenticity of Data
B. Accuracy of Computations and Explanation of the Schemes
C. Practicality of the Recommendation and Neatness of the Report
D. Practicality of the Recommendation and Authenticity of Data

20. You are tasked to forward an announcement to all alumni in your

batch regarding the batch’s upcoming reunion. Which of the
following strategy will you use in order to connect to the majority of
your batch mates?

A. Post posters around the city.

B. Make announcements in radio.
C. Make announcements in TV.
D. Email 4 batch mates and ask each batch mate to email
the information to another 4 batch mates, and so on

CONGRATULATIONS, FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

- MARY ANN M. BIALEN, LPT.

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