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MATHEMATICS
Quarter 1 – Module 3B (Week 4):
GEOMETRIC SEQUENCE

Self-Learning Module
 Introduction of the Lesson
Well done! You have had been able to finish the task provided in the second module.
Perseverance is a key to success. To persevere in completing task ahead, it is a sure way of getting a
good performance. Module 3 is all about Geometric Sequence. Like Arithmetic Sequence, it is one of
the special types of Sequence. As you go through with the Module, you will learn how to build up the
terms in the geometric sequence, finding the 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of the geometric sequence as well as its
geometric mean. You will be applying the skills learned in answering word problems too. You take
your time in answering it. If you find it obscure, please do go back and read the Module again.

You are expected to learn

This module is created for you to:

1. Determine the sum of the first 𝑛 terms of a geometric sequence

2. Solve problems involving geometric sequence.

LESSON 3

THE GEOMETRIC SERIES

Consider the problem.

A certain virus culture doubles in number every hour. If 1

virus is placed in a glass of beaker at 6 A.M., what is the
total number of viruses will be there at 12 noon?

The problem asks for the total numbers of viruses will there be at 12 noon. Let us illustrate
the problem using the table.

TIME 1st hour 2nd hour 3rd hour 4th hour 5th hour 6th hour
NUMBER OF VIRUSES 1 2 4 8 16 32

A geometric sequence 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 is formed. To get the total number of viruses, all the
terms in the geometric sequence are added 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 = 63.The total number of
viruses at 12 noon is 63. The method used in getting the total number of viruses in a given time is
geometric series.

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 When the terms of a geometric sequence are added, the concept used is geometric series.
A geometric series is the sum of the terms in a geometric sequence.

There are two formulas to find the sum of the geometric series:
 If a geometric series has definite number of terms and 𝑟 ≠ 1

𝑎1 (1−𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
when the first term 𝑎1 , the number of terms 𝑛 and the common ratio 𝑟 are given.

𝑎1 −𝑟𝑎𝑛
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
when the first term 𝑎1 , the last term 𝑎𝑛 and the common ratio 𝑟 are given but does not
require the number of terms.

 If a geometric series is infinite (that is, endless) and –1 < r < 1 and r > 1 or if r < –1

i. If –1 < r < 1, then the finite series have sum the formula is

𝑎1
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
when the first term 𝑎1 and the common ratio 𝑟 are given.

ii. If r > 1 or if r < –1, then the infinite series does not have a sum.

Here are examples.

1. When the first term 𝒂𝟏 , the number of terms 𝒏 and the common ratio 𝒓 are given.

Find the sum of the first five terms of the geometric series 2 + 8 + 32 + ⋯

Solution: Given: 𝑎1 = 2; 𝑟=4 𝑛=5 Solve for 𝑆𝑛 .

Substitute in the formula
𝑎1 (1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
2(1 − 45 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−4
2(1 − 1024)
𝑆𝑛 =
−3
2(−1023)
𝑆𝑛 =
−3
𝑆𝑛 = 682

Therefore, the sum of the first five terms is 682.

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 2. When the first term 𝒂𝟏 , the last term 𝒂𝒏 and the common ratio 𝒓 are given but DOES
NOT require the number of terms.

Find the sum of the geometric sequence when 𝑎1 = 1 , 𝑟 = 2 and 𝑎𝑛 = 32.

Solution: Given: 𝑎1 = 1; 𝑟=2 𝑎𝑛 = 32 Solve for 𝑆𝑛 .

Substitute in the formula
𝑎1 − 𝑟𝑎𝑛
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
1 − 2(32)
𝑆𝑛 =
1−2
1 − 64
𝑆𝑛 =
−1
−63
𝑆𝑛 =
−1
𝑆𝑛 = 63

Therefore, the sum of the geometric sequence is 63.

3. When the first term 𝒂𝟏 and the common ratio 𝒓 are given.

7 7
A. Find the sum of the geometric series 7 + 2 + 4 + ⋯

1
Solution: Given: 𝑎1 = 7; 𝑟=2 Solve for 𝑆𝑛 .
Substitute in the formula
𝑎1
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
7
𝑆𝑛 =
1
1−2
7
𝑆𝑛 =
1
2
𝑆𝑛 = 14
𝟏
Since, −𝟏 < 𝟐 < 𝟏 then the infinite series have sum and the sum is 14.
1 1
B. Find the sum of the geometric series 2 − 1 + − + ⋯
2 4

1
Solution: Given: 𝑎1 = 2; 𝑟 = −2 Solve for 𝑆𝑛 .

1 1
Since, 𝑟 is − then − < −1 . Hence, this infinite series does not have a sum.
2 2

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Try this

Answer the following:

1. Find the sum of the first eight terms in the geometric series 2 + 6 + 18 + 54 + ⋯

2. Find the sum of the first ten terms in the geometric series 3 − 6 + 12 − 24 + ⋯

3. Find the sum of the first six terms in the geometric series 16 + 8 + 4 + 2 …

2 2 2 2
4. Find the sum of the first five terms in the geometric series 3 + 6 + 12 + 24 + ⋯

2 4 8
5. Find the sum of the geometric series 1 + 3 + 9 + 27 + ⋯

1 1 1
6. Find the sum of the geometric series 2 − 2 + 8 − 32 + ⋯

1 1 3 9
7. Find the sum of the geometric series + + + +⋯
3 4 16 64

2 2 2 2
8. Find the sum of the geometric series 3 − 9 + 27 − 81 + ⋯

9. Find the sum of the geometric series 3 + 9 + 27 + 81 + ⋯

10. Find the sum of the geometric series 2 − 4 + 8 − 16 + ⋯

11. Find the sum of the geometric series 1 − 2 + 4 − 8 + ⋯

12. Find the sum of the geometric series 10 + 200 + 4 000 + 80 000 …

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 LESSON 4

WORD PROBLEMS APPLYING GEOMETRIC

SEQUENCE
It is a challenge to learn painstakingly about geometric sequence. You have had able to
identity geometric sequence from arithmetic sequence. The Module has thoroughly discussed on the
𝑛𝑡ℎ term of a geometric sequence, the geometric means, and the geometric series. The concept you
have had learned will be applied in solving word problems in some real-life situations.

Can you recall the tips in solving word problem?

Here are the tips you need to understand so that you may know how to solve word problem involving
geometric sequence.

1. Identify - What is the question?

2. Plan - What strategy will I use to solve the problem?
3. Solve - Carry out your plan
4. Verify - Does my answer make sense?

Let us try to solve this problem.

A piece of spoiled meat has some bacteria in it. The number of bacteria tripled every
hour. If the number of bacteria is 100 on the first hour, complete the sequence until
eight hours. What is the total number of bacteria at the end of eight hours?
What is the total number of bacteria at the end of eight hours?
1. Identify
Given: 𝑎1 = 100; 𝑟 = 3; 𝑛 = 8; 𝑆8 =?
Total number of bacteria implies geometric series. Use the formula
2. Plan 𝑎1 (1−𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 = . Solve for 𝑆8 .
1−𝑟
𝑎1 (1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
100(1 − 38 )
𝑆8 =
1−3
100(1 − 6561)
𝑆8 =
−2
3. Solve 100(−6560)
𝑆8 =
−2
100(−6560)
𝑆8 =
−2
𝑆8 = 328 000
Therefore, there are 328 000 total number of bacteria at the end of
eight hours.
𝑎1 (1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
100(1 − 38 )
4. Verify 𝑆8 =
1−3
100(−6560)
328 000 =
−2
328 000 ≚ 328 000

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 Here are other examples.

How much did he save on the 7th day?

1. Identify
Given: 𝑎1 = 10; 𝑟 = 2; 𝑛 = 7; 𝑎7 =?
Saves on the 7th day implies 𝑛𝑡ℎ term. Use the formula
2. Plan
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1. Solve for 𝑎7 .
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑎7 = 10(27−1 )
𝑎7 = 10(26 )
3. Solve
𝑎7 = 10(64)
𝑎7 = 640
Therefore, he saves Php 640.00 on the 7th day.
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1
4. Verify 640 = 10(27−1 )
640 ≚ 640

A car costing Php 1,000,000 depreciates each year by 20% of its

value at the beginning of the year. What is its value at the end of
the fifth year?

What is its value at the end of the 5th year?

Given: 𝑎1 = 1,000,000; 𝑛 = 5; 𝑎5 =?
1. Identify
𝑟 is (1 − 0.2) or 0.8 (Note: subtraction is used because of the word
depreciates.)
The value of the car at the end of the 5th year implies 𝑛𝑡ℎ term. Use
2. Plan the formula
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1. Solve for 𝑎5 .
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑎5 = 1,000,000(0.85−1 )
𝑎5 = 1,000,000(0.84 )
3. Solve
𝑎5 = 1,000,000(0.4096)
𝑎5 = 409,600
Therefore, the value of the car is Php 409,600.00 on the 5th year.
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1
4. Verify 409,600 = 1,000,000(0.85−1 )
409,600 ≚ 409,600

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Note:
If the common ratio is in percent (%) form, change it to decimal form. Like for example 5% is
0.05.
a. If the problem implies increasing or adding, add the decimal to 1. E.g. the common ratio
will be 𝑟 = 1 + 0.05 = 1.05.
b. If the problem implies decreasing or subtracting, subtract the decimal to 1. E.g. the
common ratio will be 𝑟 = 1 − 0.05 = 0.95

Try this

Solve the problems. Show your solution.

1. Aida receives an annual salary of Php 250,000 with the understanding that she will receive a 5%
increase every year. How much will be her salary on the 5th year?

2. A community has a population of 30 000 which increases by 20% every year. What will be the
population of the community after 6 years?

3. A car depreciates in value at the rate of 10% every year. If a car costs Php 1,000,000 now. What
is its value on the 6th year?

4. A certain bacterial culture triples in number every hour. If 1 bacterium is placed under a glass
beaker at 6 A.M., how many will be there at 2 P.M.?

5. Peter bought 10 toys, the first toy cost Php 2, the second is Php 4, the third is Php 8, and so on.
How much did Peter pay for the 10 toys?

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 Summary

1. Geometric sequence is a sequence where each term after the first is obtained by multiplying
the preceding term by a nonzero constant called the common ratio, 𝑟.

2. The 𝒏𝒕𝒉 term of a geometric sequence is 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1

𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1 where 𝑎1 = the first term

𝑎𝑛 = the last term
𝑛 = the number of terms
𝑟 = the common ratio

3. If three quantities are in Geometric Sequence, then the middle one is called the geometric
mean of the other two.
4. When more than three quantities are in Geometric Sequence then, the quantities between
the two extremes are called the geometric means of the extreme quantities.

5. When the terms of a geometric sequence are added, the concept used is geometric series.
A geometric series is the sum of the terms in a geometric sequence.

6. There are two formulas to find the sum of the geometric series:
 If a geometric series has definite number of terms and 𝑟 ≠ 1

𝑎1 (1−𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
when the first term 𝑎1 , the number of terms 𝑛 and the common ratio 𝑟 are given.

𝑎1 −𝑟𝑎𝑛
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
when the first term 𝑎1 , the last term 𝑎𝑛 and the common ratio 𝑟 are given but does not
require the number of terms.

 If a geometric series is infinite (that is, endless) and –1 < r < 1 and r > 1 or if r < –1

i. If –1 < r < 1, then the finite series have sum the formula is

𝑎1
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
when the first term 𝑎1 and the common ratio 𝑟 are given.

ii. If r > 1 or if r < –1, then the infinite series does not have a sum.

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 What have you learned
Choose the correct answer. Write the letter only.

1. Which of the following is a geometric sequence?

A. 1, 3, 9, 27, … C. 2, 4, 6, 8, …
B. 1, 3, 5, 7, … D. 5, 10, 15, 20, …

2. All of the sequence are geometric sequence EXCEPT.

A. 2, 4, 8, 16, … C. - 6, 12, - 24, 48
2 2 2 2
B. , , , , … D. 6, 12, 18, 24, …
3 6 12 24

3. What is the next term of the geometric sequence 3, 9, 27, 81, …?

A. 143 C. 253
B. 243 D. 343

4. What is the 10th term of the geometric sequence 1, 4, 16, 64, …?

A. 192 C. 256
B. 2212 D. 343

5. What is the common ratio if the first term is 2 and the fifth term is 32?
A. 5 C. 3
B. 4 D. 2

6. What term is inserted between -20 and -5?

A. -15 C. -9
B. -10 D. -7

7. Insert five geometric means between 0.2 and 145.8.

A. 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4 C. 0.6, 1.8, 5.4, 16.2, 48.6
B. −0.4, 0.8, −1.6, 3.2, −6.4 D. 0.8, 3. 2, 12.4, 51.2, 204.8

8. What is the sum of the first six terms of the geometric series 3 − 6 + 12 − 24, + ⋯ ?
A. 189 C. 169
B. 179 D. 159

9. What is the sum of the geometric series 1, 3, 9, 27, …?

A. 50 C. 374
B. 131 D. NO SUM

10. Gold appreciates at the rate of 5% every year. If a Gold Necklace costs Php 20,000 now, what is
the value of the Gold Necklace on the 3rd year?
A. The value of the Gold Necklace is Php 21,000 in 3 years.
B. The value of the Gold Necklace is Php 21,050 in 3 years.
C. The value of the Gold Necklace is Php 21,100 in 3 years.
D. The value of the Gold Necklace is Php 21,150 in 3 years.

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION | DIVISION OF MANDAUE CITY
Answer Key
Try this
Lesson 3
1. 𝑆8 = 1 874.29
2.
3. 𝑆6 = 1 008
4.
5. 𝑆𝑛 =3
6.
4
7. 𝑆𝑛 =
3
8.
9. 𝑟 > 1, 𝑟 = 3; NO SUM
10.
11. 𝑟 < −1, 𝑟 = −2; NO SUM
12.
Try this
Lesson 4
1. Aida will receive Php 303,876.56 in the 5th year.
2.
3. The value of the car will be Php 531,441 on the 6th year.
4.
5. Peter paid Php 1,023.00 for the 10 toys.
What have you learned
1. A
2.
3. B
4.
5. D
6.
7. C
8.
9. D
10.
 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Division of Mandaue City
Plaridel St., Centro, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines 6014
Telephone Nos.: (032) 345 – 0545 | (032) 505 – 6337
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Website: https://depedmandaue.net

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