Name Class Date

12.1 Arithmetic Sequences

Essential Question: What are algebraic ways to define an arithmetic sequence?

Resource
Locker

Investigating Arithmetic Sequences

Explore  
Consider a staircase where the vertical distance between steps is
7.5 inches and you must walk up 14 steps to get from the first floor
to the second floor, a total vertical distance of 105 inches. Define two
functions: B(s), which models the distance from the bottom of the
staircase (the first floor) to the bottom of your foot, and T(s), which
models the distance from the bottom of your foot to the top of the
staircase (the second floor). For both functions, the independent
variable s represents the number of steps that you have walked up.

A Complete the table. Show your calculations.

s B(s) T(s)
0 0 105
1 0 + 7.5 = 7.5
2 0 + 2(7.5) = 15
3
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B Based on the patterns in the table, write rules for the two functions in terms of s.

B(s) =

T(s) =

C Identify the domain and range of B(s).

• The domain of B(s) is

⎧ ⎫
​ ⎨​0, 1, 2, 3, 4, , , , , , , , , , ​⎬​.
⎩ ⎭
• The range of B(s) is
GmbH/Alamy

⎧ ⎫
​ ⎨​0, 7.5, 15, , , , , , , , , , , , ​⎬​.
⎩ ⎭

Module 12 583 Lesson 1

D Graph B(s).
B(s)
100

80

Distance (ft)
60

40

20
s
0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Step

E Identify the domain and range of T(s).

• The domain of T(s) is

⎧ ⎫
​ ⎨​0, 1, 2, 3, 4, , , , , , , , , , ​⎬​.
⎩ ⎭
• The range of T(s) is

⎧ ⎫
⎨​105,
​ , , , , , , , , , , , , , ​⎬​.
⎩ ⎭

F Graph T(s).
T(s)
100

80
Distance (ft)

60

40

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

20
s
0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Step
Reflect

1. Both B(s) and T(s) are linear functions, but their graphs consist of discrete points. Why?

2. How are B(s) and T(s) different? Why?

Module 12 584 Lesson 1

 Explain 1 Writing Explicit and Recursive Rules
for Arithmetic Sequences
A sequence is an ordered list of numbers. Each number in the list is called a term of the sequence. You can
think of a sequence as a function with a subset of the set of integers as the domain and the set of terms of
the sequence as the range. An explicit rule for a sequence defines the term in position n as a function of n.
A recursive rule for a sequence defines the term in position n by relating it to one or more previous terms.

An arithmetic sequence, also known as a discrete linear function, is a sequence for which consecutive terms
have a common difference. For instance, the terms of the sequence 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5, 30, 37.5, 45, 52.5, 60, 67.5, 75,
82.5, 90, 97.5, 105, which are the values of the function B(s) from the Explore, have a common difference of 7.5.
Likewise, the terms of the sequence 105, 97.5, 90, 82.5, 75, 67.5, 60, 52.5, 45, 37.5, 30, 22.5, 15, 7.5, 0, which are the
values of the function T(s) from the Explore, have a common difference of -7.5. Both sequences are arithmetic.

You can write different explicit and recursive rules for a sequence depending on what integer you use as the
position number for the initial term of the sequence. The most commonly used starting position numbers are
0 and 1. The table shows rules for the sequences that you examined in the Explore.

Sequence
0, 7.5, 15, 22.5, 30, 37.5, 45, 105, 97.5, 90, 82.5, 75, 67.5,
52.5, 60, 67.5, 75, 82.5, 90, 60, 52.5, 45, 37.5, 30, 22.5, 15,
97.5, 105 7.5, 0
Explicit rule when f(n) = 105 - 7.5n
f(n) = 0 + 7.5n for 0 ≤ n ≤ 14
starting position is 0 for 0 ≤ n ≤ 14
Explicit rule when f(n) = 0 + 7.5(n - 1) f(n) = 105 - 7.5(n - 1)
starting position is 1 for 1 ≤ n ≤ 15 for 1 ≤ n ≤ 15
f(0) = 0 and f(0) = 105 and
Recursive rule when f(n) = f(n - 1) + 7.5 f(n) = f(n - 1) - 7.5
starting position is 0
for 1 ≤ n ≤ 14 for 1 ≤ n ≤ 14
f(1) = 0 and f(1) = 105 and
Recursive rule when f(n) = f(n - 1) + 7.5 f(n) = f(n - 1) - 7.5
starting position is 1
for 2 ≤ n ≤ 15 for 2 ≤ n ≤ 15

In general, when 0 is the starting position for the initial term a of an arithmetic sequence with common
difference d, the sequence has the explicit rule ƒ(n) = a + dn for n ≥ 0 and the recursive rule ƒ(0) = a
and ƒ(n) = ƒ(n- 1) + d for n ≥ 1. When 1 is the starting position of the initial term, the sequence has the
explicit rule ƒ(n) = a + d(n - 1) for n ≥ 1 and the recursive rule ƒ(1) = a and ƒ(n) = ƒ(n- 1) + d for n ≥ 2.
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Example 1 Use the given table to write an explicit and a recursive rule for
the sequence.

A n 0 1 2 3 4 5

f(n) 2 5 8 11 14 17

First, check the differences of consecutive values of ƒ(n):

5 - 2 = 3, 8 -5 = 3, 11 -8 = 3, 14 - 11 = 3, and 17 - 14 = 3
The differences are the same, so the sequence is arithmetic.
The initial term a of the sequence is 2, and its position number is 0. As already observed, the
common difference d is 3.
So, the explicit rule for the sequence is ƒ(n) = 2 + 3n for 0 ≤ n ≤ 5. The recursive rule is ƒ(0) = 2
and ƒ(n) = ƒ(n - 1) + 3 for 1 ≤ n ≤ 5.

Module 12 585 Lesson 1

B n 1 2 3 4 5 6

f​(n)​ 29 25 21 17 13 9

First, check the differences of consecutive values of ƒ​(n)​:

25 - 29 = , 21 - 25 = , 17 - 21 = , 13 - 17 = , and 9 - 13 =

The differences are the same, so the sequence [is/is not] arithmetic.

 he initial term a of the sequence is    , and its position number is    . As already observed, the
T
common difference d is    .

So, the explicit rule for the sequence is ƒ​(n)​ = for ≤n≤ . The recursive rule

is ƒ​ ( )​ = and ƒ​(n)​ = ƒ​(n - 1)​ + for ≤n≤ .

Your Turn

Use the given table to write an explicit and a recursive rule for the sequence.

3.
n 0 1 2 3 4 5

f​(n)​ -7 -2 3 8 13 18

4.
n 1 2 3 4 5 6

f​(n)​ 11 5 -1 -7 -13 -19

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Module 12 586 Lesson 1

 Explain 2 Graphing Arithmetic Sequences
As you saw in the Explore, the graph of an arithmetic sequence consists of points that lie on a
line. The arithmetic sequence 3, 7, 11, 15, 19 has a final term, so it is called a finite sequence
and its graph has a countable number of points. The arithmetic sequence 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, …
does not have a final term (indicated by the three dots), so it is called an infinite sequence and
its graph has infinitely many points. Since you cannot show the complete graph of an infinite
sequence, you should simply show as many points as the grid allows.

Example 2 Write the terms of the given arithmetic sequence and then graph
the sequence.

A ƒ(n) = -1 + 2n for 0 ≤ n ≤ 4

Make a table of values.

n f(n) f(n)
6
0 -1 + 2(0) = -1
1 -1 + 2(1) = 1 4
2 -1 + 2(2) = 3
3 -1 + 2(3) = 5 2

4 -1 + 2(4) = 7 n
0 2 4 6 8
So, the sequence is -1, 1, 3, 5, 7.
Graph the sequence.

B ƒ(1) = 4 and ƒ(n) = ƒ(n - 1) - 0.25 for n ≥ 2

Make a table of values, bearing in mind that the table could be extended because the
sequence is infinite.

n f(n) f(n)
4

1 4 3
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2 f(2) = f(1) - 0.25 = 4 - 0.25 = 2

3 f(3) = f(2) - 0.25 = - 0.25 = 1

n
4 f(4) = f(3) - 0.25 = - 0.25 = 0 1 2 3 4

5 f(5) = f(4) - 0.25 = - 0.25 =

So, the sequence is .

Graph the sequence.

Module 12 587 Lesson 1

 Your Turn

Write the terms of the given arithmetic sequence and then graph the sequence.
5. ƒ(n) = 8 - _2 (n - 1) for 1 ≤ n ≤ 7 6. ƒ(0) = -3 and ƒ(n) = ƒ(n - 1) - 1 for n ≥ 1
3

f(n) f(n) n
8
0 2 4 6
6 -2

4 -4

2 -6
n
-8
0 2 4 6 8

Explain 3 Modeling with Arithmetic Sequences

Some real-world situations, like the situation in the Explore, can be modeled with an arithmetic sequence. You can
then use a rule for the sequence to solve problems related to the situation.

Example 3 Write a recursive rule and an explicit rule for an arithmetic sequence that
models the situation. Then use the rule to answer the question.

A There are 19 seats in the row nearest the stage of a theater. Each row after the first one has 2
more seats than the row before it. How many seats are in the 13th row?

Let n represent the row number, starting with 1 for the first row. The verbal description gives you a
recursive rule: ƒ(1) = 19 and ƒ(n) = ƒ(n - 1) + 2 for n ≥ 2 . Since the initial term is 19 and the
common difference is 2, an explicit rule is ƒ(n) = 19 + 2(n - 1) for n ≥ 1.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

To find the number of seats in the 13th row, find using the explicit rule.

ƒ(13) = 19 + 2(13 - 1) = 43

So, there are 43 seats in the 13th row.

Module 12 588 Lesson 1

 B A student with a part-time job borrowed money from her parents
to purchase a bicycle. The graph shows the amount the student
owes her parents as she makes equal weekly payments. The amount
owed is shown only for the first 5 weeks.

f(n)
$1000

$800

Amount owed $600

$400

$200
n
0 2 4 6 8
Week

In how many weeks after purchasing the bicycle will the loan be paid off?

Let n represent the number of weeks since the loan was made, starting with    for the time at
which the loan was made. The sequence of amounts owed is arithmetic because the weekly payments
are      . To determine the amount of the weekly payment, let ƒ(n) represent the amount owed
at week n, and observe from the graph that ƒ​(0)​= and ƒ​(2)​= . The general explicit rule
for the sequence is ƒ​(n)​ = a + dn. Substituting 2 for n, the value of ƒ​(0)​for a, and the value of ƒ​(2)​
for ƒ​(n)​ in ƒ​(n)​ = a + dn, you can solve for the common difference d:
ƒ​(2)​= ƒ​(0)​+ 2d

= + 2d
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Image Credits: ©Juice

= 2d

=d

So, the amount of the weekly payment is    , and an explicit rule for the

sequence is ƒ​(n)​ = +​ ( )​n . A recursive rule for the sequence is

ƒ​(0)​= and ƒ​(n)​ = ƒ​(n - 1)​ + for n ≥ 1.

 o determine when the loan will be paid off, you want to find the value of n for
T
which ƒ(n) = 0. Use the explicit rule.
ƒ​(n)​ = 0

( )​ n = 0
Images/Alamy

+​

n=

n=

So, the loan will be paid off in    weeks.

Module 12 589 Lesson 1

 Your Turn

Write a recursive rule and an explicit rule for an arithmetic sequence that models the
situation. Then use the rule to answer the question.

7. The starting salary for a summer camp counselor is $395 per week. In each of the subsequent weeks, the
salary increases by $45 to encourage experienced counselors to work for the entire summer. If the salary is
$710 for the last week of the camp, for how many weeks does the camp run?

8. The graph shows the length, in inches, of a row of grocery carts when f(n) (5, 86)
various numbers of carts are nested together. What is the length of a 80
(4, 74)

Row length (in.)

row of 25 nested carts?
60 (3, 62)
(2, 50)
40 (1, 38)

20
n
0 2 4 6
Grocery carts

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Elaborate
9. Discussion Is it easier to use an explicit rule or a recursive rule to find the 10th term in an arithmetic
sequence? Explain.

Module 12 590 Lesson 1

 10. What do you know about the terms in an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of 0?

11. Describe the difference between the graph of an arithmetic sequence with a positive common difference
and the graph of an arithmetic sequence with a negative common difference.

12. Essential Question Check-In Does the rule ƒ(n) = -2 + 5n for n ≥ 0 define an arithmetic sequence,
and is the rule explicit or recursive? How do you know?

Evaluate: Homework and Practice

• Online Homework
1. Consider the staircase in the Explore. How would the functions B(s) and T(s) change • Hints and Help
if the staircase were a spiral staircase going from the first floor to the third floor, with • Extra Practice
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Image Credits: ©Natalia

the same step height and distance between floors?

Semenchenko/Shutterstock

Module 12 591 Lesson 1

Use the given table to write an explicit and a recursive rule for the
sequence.
2. 3. n 0 1 2 3 4
n 0 1 2 3 4
f​(n)​ -6 1 8 15 22 f​(n)​ 8 5 2 -1 -4

Given the recursive rule for an arithmetic sequence, write the

explicit rule.
4. ƒ​(0)​ = 6 and ƒ​(n)​= ƒ​(n - 1)​ + 5 for n ≥ 1 5. ƒ​(1)​ = 19 and ƒ​(n)​= ƒ​(n - 1)​ - 10 for n ≥ 2

Given the explicit rule for an arithmetic sequence, write the recursive rule.
6. ƒ​(n)​ = 9.6 - 0.2​(n - 1)​ for n ≥ 1 7. ƒ​(n)​ = 14 + 8n for n ≥ 0

Write the terms of the given arithmetic sequence and then graph the sequence.
​  1 ​n for n ≥ 0
8. ƒ​(n)​ = 7 - _ 9. ƒ​(n)​ = 3 + 2​(n - 1)​for 1 ≤ n ≤ 5
2
f(n)
f(n) 16

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

8
12
6
8
4
4
2
n
n
0 2 4 6 8
0 2 4 6 8

Module 12 592 Lesson 1

 10. ƒ​(1)​= -0.5 and ƒ​(n)​= ƒ​(n - 1)​ - 0.5 11. ƒ​(0)​= -5 and ƒ​(n)​= ƒ​(n - 1)​ + 3
for n ≥ 2 for 1 ≤ n ≤ 4
f(n) n f(n)
8
0 2 4 6
-2 4
n
-4
0 2 4 6
-6 -4

-8 -8

Write a recursive rule and an explicit rule for an arithmetic

sequence that models the situation. Then use the rule to answer
the question.

12. Thomas begins an exercise routine for 20 minutes each day. Each week he plans to
add 5 minutes per day to the length of his exercise routine. For how many minutes
will he exercise each day of the 6th week?
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Image Credits: ©Peter

13. The Louvre pyramid in Paris, France, is built of glass panes.

There are 4 panes in the top row, and each additional row has
4 more panes than the previous row. How many panes are in the
17th row?
Langer/Design Pics/Corbis

Module 12 593 Lesson 1

14. Clarissa is buying a prom dress on layaway. The dress costs $185. She makes a down
payment of $20 to put the dress on layaway and then makes weekly payments of $15.
In how many weeks is the dress paid off?

15. The graph shows the height, in inches, of a stack of various numbers f(n)
of identical plastic cups. The stack of cups will be placed on a shelf 8 (4, 5.75)

Stack height (in.)

with 12 inches of vertical clearance with the shelf above. What
6 (5, 6)
number of cups can be in the stack without having a tight fit?
(3, 5.5)
4 (1, 5)
(2, 5.25)
2
n
0 2 4 6 8
Plastic cups

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

16. Determine whether or not each of the following sequences is arithmetic. Select the
correct response for each lettered part.
A. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34 Arithmetic Not arithmetic

B. 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 Arithmetic Not arithmetic

C. 1, 2, 4, 9, 16, 25 Arithmetic Not arithmetic

D. -4, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Arithmetic Not arithmetic

E. ​ _12 ​, _​ 23​, _​ 34​, _​ 45​, _​ 56​, _​ 67 ​, _​ 78 ​, _​ 89​ Arithmetic Not arithmetic

F. 18.5, 13, 7.5, 2, -3.5, -9 Arithmetic Not arithmetic

Module 12 594 Lesson 1

 H.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking

17. Multiple Representations The graphs of two arithmetic sequences are shown.
Graph of sequence A Graph of sequence B
f(n) f(n)
8 8

6 6

4 4

2 2
n n
0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 6 8

a. Are the sequences the same or different? Explain.

b. Write an explicit rule for each sequence.
c. How do the explicit rules indicate the geometric relationship between the two graphs?

18. Communicate Mathematical Ideas You know that if (​ ​x 1​ ​, ƒ​(​x 1​ ​)​)​and ​ ​x 2​ ​, ƒ​(​x 2​ ​)​ ​ ( )
are two points on the graph of a linear function, the slope of the function’s graph is
ƒ​(​x ​ ​)​ - ƒ​(​x ​ ​)​
​x 2​ ​ - ​x 1​ ​ ​. Suppose (​ ​n 1​ ​, ƒ​(​n 1​ ​)​)​and (​ ​n ​2​, ƒ​(​n ​2​)​)​are two points on the graph of
m = ​ __________
2 1

an arithmetic sequence with the explicit rule ƒ​(n)​= a + dn. What does the
ƒ​(​n 2​ ​)​ - ƒ​(​n ​1​)​
expression ​ __________
​n 2​ ​ - ​n 1​ ​ ​tell you about the arithmetic sequence? Justify your answer.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

19. Construct Arguments Show how the recursive rule ƒ​(0)​ = a and ƒ​(n)​= ƒ​(n - 1)​ + d for n ≥ 1
generates the explicit rule ƒ​(n)​= a + dn for n ≥ 0.

Module 12 595 Lesson 1

Lesson Performance Task
The graph shows how the cost of a personal transporter tour depends on the number of
participants. Write explicit and recursive rules for the cost of the tour. Then calculate the cost
of the tour for 12 participants.

Transporter Tour
f(n)
n
200

Total Cost (Dollars)

f​(n)​
150

100

50
n
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Participants

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Module 12 596 Lesson 1

 Name Class Date

12.2 Geometric Sequences

Essential Question: How can you define a geometric sequence algebraically?

Resource
Locker

1 Investigating Geometric Sequences

Explore  
As a tree grows, limbs branch off of the trunk, then smaller limbs branch off these limbs and each branch splits off
into smaller and smaller copies of itself the same way throughout the entire tree. A mathematical object called a
fractal tree resembles this growth.

Start by drawing a vertical line at the bottom of a piece of paper. This is Stage 0 of the fractal tree and is considered to
be one ‘branch’. The length of this branch defines 1 unit.

For Stage 1, draw 2 branches off of the top of the first branch.
​ 1 ​the length of the
For this fractal tree, each smaller branch is _
2
previous branch and is at a 45-degree angle from the direction
of the parent branch. The first four iterations, Stages 0-3, are
shown.

A In Stage 2, there are 2 branches drawn on the end of each of the 2 branches drawn in Stage 1.
There are ​ 1 ​the length of its
new branches in Stage 2. Each one of these branches will be _
2
predecessors or unit in length.

B For Stage 3, there are 8 new branches in total. To draw Stage 4, a total of branches must
be drawn and to draw Stage 5, a total of branches must be drawn. Thus, each stage
adds times as many branches as the previous stage did.

C Complete the table.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Stage New Branches Pattern New Branches as a Power

Stage 0 1 1 ​2 ​0​

Stage 1 2 2∙1 ​2 ​1 ​

Stage 2 4 2∙2 ​2 ​2 ​

Stage 3 8 2∙

Stage 4 16 2∙

Stage 5 32 2∙

Stage 6 64 2∙

Module 12 597 Lesson 2

D The procedure for each stage after Stage 0 is to draw     branches on     branch
added in the previous step.

 Using the description above, write an equation for the number of new branches in a stage
​ s​​; Stage 3 will be N
given the previous stage. Represent stage s as N ​ ​3​.

N ​4​ =
​ ∙ N ​6​ =
​ ∙

N ​5​ =
​ ∙ N ​s​=
​ ∙

F Rewrite the rule for Stage s as a function N​(s)​that has a stage number as an input and the
number of new branches in the stage as an output.

N​(s)​ =

G Recall that the domain of a function is the set of all numbers for which the function is
defined. N​(s)​is a function of s and s is the stage number. Since the stage number refers to
the          the tree has branched, it has to be          
.
Write the domain of N​(s)​ in set notation.
⎧ ⎫
⎨​s | s is a      number​⎬​
​
⎩ ⎭

H Similarly, the range of a function is the set of all possible values that the function can output
over the domain. Let N​(s)​ = b, the              .
⎧ ⎫
The range of N​(s)​is ⎨​ ​1,2,4 , , ,...​⎬​.
⎩ ⎭
⎧ ⎫
The range of N​(s)​is ⎨​ ​N|N = 2​  ​s​, where s is            ​⎬​.
⎩ ⎭

I Graph the first five values of N​(s)​on the axes provided. N(s)
The first value has been graphed for you.
20
Number of branches

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16

12

4
s
As s increases, N​(s)​      . 0 1 2 3 4 5
J
Stage
N​(s)​is         function.

Module 12 598 Lesson 2

 K Complete the table for branch length.
Stage Number of Branch
Number Branches Length
L Write L​(s)​expressing the branch length as a function of the
Stage. 0 1 1

( )
​  1  ​
L​(s)​ = ​​ _
​
​
1 2 ​  1 ​
_
2

M Write the domain and range of L​(s)​in set notation.

⎧ ⎫ 2 4 ​  1 ​
_
4
The domain of L​(s)​is ⎨​ ​s|s is a        number​⎬​.
⎩ ⎭
⎧ 1 1 ⎫ ​  1  ​
_
The range of L​(s)​is ⎨​ ​1,​ _ ​,_
​   ​, , , ,⋯​⎬​. 3 8
⎩ 2 4 ⎭

()
⎧ s ⎫
The range of L​(s)​is ⎨​ ​L|L = ​​ _ ​  1 ​ ​ ​ ​, where s is         ​⎬​.
⎩ 2 ⎭ ​  1  ​
_
4 16

N Graph the first five values of L​(s)​on the axes provided.

The fifth point has been graphed for you.
​  1  ​
_
5 32
L(s)
Branch Length in Units

1
⋮ ⋮ ⋮
3
4
1  ​
​ _
1
2 n ​2 ​n​
1
4
s
0 1 2 3 4
Stage

O As s increases, L​(s)​      . L​(s)​is         function.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Reflect

1. What is the total length added at each stage?

2. Is the total length of all the branches a sequence? If so, identify the sequence.

Module 12 599 Lesson 2

 Explain 1 Writing Explicit and Recursive Rules
for Geometric Sequences
A sequence is a set of numbers related by a common rule. All sequences start with an initial term. In a geometric
sequence, the ratio of any term to the previous term is constant. This constant ratio is called the common ratio
and is denoted by r (r ≠ 1). In the explicit form of the sequence, each term is found by evaluating the function
ƒ(n) = ar n or ƒ(n) = ar n-1 where a is the initial value and r is the common ratio, for some whole number n. Note
that there are two forms of the explicit rule because it is permissible to call the initial value the first term or to call ar
the first term.

A geometric sequence can also be defined recursively by ƒ(n) = r ⋅ ƒ(n-1) where either ƒ(0) = a or ƒ(1) = a, again
depending on the way the terms of the sequence are numbered. ƒ(n) = r ⋅ ƒ(n-1) is called the recursive rule for
the sequence.

Example 1 Write the explicit and recursive rules for a geometric sequence given
a table of values.

A n 0 1 2 3 4 ⋯ j-1 j ⋯

f(n) 3 6 12 24 48 ⋯ ar (j-1) ar j ⋯

Determine a and r, then write the explicit and recursive rules.

ƒ(n) ƒ(1) _
Find the common ratio: _ = r. _ = 6 =2=r
ƒ(n - 1) ƒ(0) 3
Find the initial value, a = ƒ(0), from the table. ƒ(0) = 3 = a

Find the explicit rule: ƒ(n) = ar n. ƒ(n) = 3 · (2)

n

Write the recursive rule. ƒ(n) = 2 · ƒ(n - 1), n ≥ 1 and ƒ(0) = 3

The explicit rule is ƒ(n) = 3 · (2) and the recursive rule is ƒ(n) = 2 · ƒ(n - 1), n ≥ 1 and
n

ƒ(0) = 3.

B n 1 2 3 4 5 ⋯ j-1 j ⋯
1
_ 1
_
f(n) ⋯ ar (j-1) ⋯

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1 5 25 ar j
25 5
Determine a and r, then write the explicit and recursive rules.

ƒ(n)
Find the common ratio: _ = r.
ƒ( )
_=_= =r
ƒ( )
ƒ(n - 1)

Find the initial value, a = ƒ(1), from the table. ƒ(1) = =a

( )
n-1
Find the explicit rule: ƒ(n) = ar n-1. ƒ(n) = ·

Write the recursive rule. ƒ(n) = ⋅ ƒ(n - 1), n ≥ and ƒ(1) =

The explicit rule is ƒ(n) = and the recursive rule is ƒ(n) = ⋅ ƒ(n - 1), n ≥

where ƒ(1) = .

Module 12 600 Lesson 2

 Reflect

3. Discussion If you were told that a geometric sequence had an initial value of ƒ​(5)​ = 5, could you write an
explicit and a recursive rule for the function? What would the explicit rule be?

Your Turn

Write the explicit and recursive rules for a geometric sequence given a table of values.

4.
n 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 ⋯

f​(n)​ ​  1  ​
_ ​  1 ​
_ 1 ​
​ _ 1 3 9 27 ⋯
27 9 3

5.
n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ⋯

f​(n)​ 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000 ⋯

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Module 12 601 Lesson 2

 Explain 2 Graphing Geometric Sequences
To graph a geometric sequence given an explicit or a recursive rule you can use the rule to generate a table of values
and then graph those points on a coordinate plane. Since the domain of a geometric sequence consists only of whole
numbers, its graph consists of individual points, not a smooth curve.

Example 2 Given either an explicit or recursive rule for a geometric f(n)

sequence, use a table to generate values and draw the graph 8
of the sequence. 7
6
5
A Explicit rule: ƒ(n) = 2 · 2 n, n ≥ 0 4
3
Use a table to generate points.
2
1 n
n 0 1 2 3 4 5 ⋯ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
f(n) 2 4 8 16 32 64 ⋯

Plot the first three points on the graph.

B Recursive rule: ƒ(n) = 0.5 · ƒ(n - 1), n ≥ 1 and ƒ(0) = 16 f(n)

16
Use a table to generate points. 14
12
10
8
n 0 1 2 3 ⋯ 6
4
2
f(n) ⋯ n
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Your Turn

Given either an explicit or recursive rule for a geometric sequence, use

a table to generate values and draw the graph of the sequence. 14 f(n)
12

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6. ƒ(n) = 3 · 2 n-1, n ≥ 1 10
8
6
n 1 2 3 4 5 ⋯
4
f(n) ⋯ 2 n
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

f(n)
18
16
14
7. ƒ(n) = 3 · ƒ(n - 1), n ≥ 2 and ƒ(1) = 2 12
10
8
n 1 2 3 4 5 ⋯ 6
4
f(n) ⋯
2 n
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Module 12 602 Lesson 2

 Explain 3 Modeling With a Geometric Sequence
Given a real-world situation that can be modeled with a geometric sequence, you can use an explicit or a recursive
rule to answer a question about the situation.

Example 3 Write both an explicit and recursive rule for the geometric sequence that
models the situation. Use the sequence to answer the question asked about
the situation.

A The Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles Championship begins with 128 players. Each match, two
players play and only one moves to the next round. The players compete until there is
one winner. How many rounds must the winner play?

Analyze Information
Identify the important information:
• The first round requires matches, so a = .

• The next round requires half as many matches, so r = .

Formulate a Plan
Let n represent the number of rounds played and let ƒ(n) represent the number of
matches played at that round. Create the explicit rule and the recursive rule for the
tournament. The final round will have match(es), so substitute this value
into the explicit rule and solve for n.

Solve

The explicit rule is ƒ(n) = , n ≥ 1.

The recursive rule is ƒ(n) = ∙ ƒ(n - 1), n ≥ 2 and ƒ(1) = .

The final round will have 1 match, so substitute 1 for f(n) into the explicit rule and
solve for n.

()
n-1
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ƒ(n) = 64 ∙ __12

= 64 ∙ (__12 )
n-1

= (__12 )
n-1

(__12 ) = (__12 )
n-1

Two powers with the same positive base other than 1 are equal if and only if the
exponents are equal.

(__12 ) ()
n-1
= __12

=n-1

=n

The winner must play in rounds.

Module 12 603 Lesson 2

 Justify and Evaluate
The answer of 7 rounds makes sense because using the explicit rule gives
ƒ(7) = and the final round will have 1 match(es). This result can be checked
using the recursive rule, which again results in ƒ(7) = .

Your Turn

Write both an explicit and recursive rule for the geometric sequence that models the
situation. Use the sequence to answer the question asked about the situation.

8. A particular type of bacteria divides into two new bacteria every 20 minutes. A scientist growing the
bacteria in a laboratory begins with 200 bacteria. How many bacteria are present 4 hours later?

Elaborate
9. Describe the difference between an explicit rule for a geometric sequence and a recursive rule.

10. How would you decide to use n = 0 or n = 1 as the starting value of n for a geometric sequence modeling

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a real-world situation?

11. Essential Question Check-In How can you define a geometric sequence in an algebraic way? What
information do you need to write these rules?

Module 12 604 Lesson 2

 Evaluate: Homework and Practice
• Online Homework
You are creating self-similar fractal trees. You start with a trunk of • Hints and Help
length 1 unit (at Stage 0). Then the trunk splits into two branches • Extra Practice
each one-third the length of the trunk. Then each one of these
branches splits into two new branches, with each branch one-third
the length of the previous one.

1. Can the length of the new branches at each stage be described with a geometric
sequence? Explain. If so, find the explicit form for the length of each branch.

2. Can the number of new branches at each stage be described with a geometric
sequence? Explain. If so, find the recursive rule for the number of new branches.
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3. Can the total length of the new branches at each stage be modeled with a geometric
sequence? Explain. (The total length of the new branches is the sum of the lengths of
all the new branches.)

Module 12 605 Lesson 2

Write the explicit and recursive rules for a geometric sequence
given a table of values.

4.
n 0 1 2 3 4 ⋯

f​(n)​ 0.1 0.3 0.9 2.7 8.1 ⋯

5.
n 0 1 2 3 4 ⋯

f​(n)​ 100 10 1 0.1 0.01 ⋯

6.
n 1 2 3 4 5 ⋯

f​(n)​ 1000 100 10 1 0.1 ⋯

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7.
n 1 2 3 4 5 ⋯

f​(n)​ ⋯
50 47 44 41 38
​10 ​ ​ ​10 ​ ​ ​10 ​ ​ ​10 ​ ​ ​10 ​ ​

Module 12 606 Lesson 2

 Given either an explicit or recursive rule for a geometric sequence,
use a table to generate values and draw the graph of the sequence.

8. ()
1 ​ ​ · ​4 ​n​, n ≥ 0
ƒ​(n)​ = ​ ​ _
2
y
8
n 0 1 2 3 4 ⋯ 7
f​(n)​ ⋯ 6
5
4
3
2
1 x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9. ƒ​(n)​ = 2 · ƒ​(n - 1)​, n ≥ 1 and ƒ​(0)​ = 0.5 f(n)

4
n 0 1 2 3 4 ⋯
3
f​(n)​ ⋯
2

1
n
0 1 2 3 4

10. ƒ​(n)​ = 0.5 · ƒ​(n - 1)​, n ≥ 2 and ƒ​(1)​ = 8 f(n)

8
7
n 1 2 3 4 5 ⋯ 6
5
f​(n)​ ⋯ 4
3
2
1 n
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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​  2 ​ · ƒ​(n - 1)​, n ≥ 2 and ƒ​(1)​ = 1

11. ƒ​(n)​ = _ f(n)
3

n 1 2 3 4 5 ⋯ 2
f​(n)​ ⋯
1

n
0 1 2

Module 12 607 Lesson 2

Write both an explicit and recursive rule for the geometric
sequence that models the situation. Use the sequence to answer the
question asked about the situation.

12. The Alphaville Youth Basketball committee is planning a single-elimination

tournament (for all the games at each round, the winning team advances and the
losing team is eliminated). The committee wants the winner to play 4 games. How
many teams should the committee invite?

13. An online video game tournament begins with 1024 players. Four players play in each
game. In each game there is only one winner, and only the winner advances to the
next round. How many games will the winner play?

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14. Genealogy You have 2 biological parents, 4 biological grandparents, and
8 biological great-grandparents.
a. How many direct ancestors do you have if you trace your ancestry back
6 generations? How many direct ancestors do you have if you go back 12
generations?
Corbis

What if…? How does the explicit rule change if you are considered the first
b. 
generation?

Module 12 608 Lesson 2

 15. Fractals Waclaw Sierpinski designed various fractals. He would take a geometric
figure, shade it in, and then start removing the shading to create a fractal pattern.
a. The Sierpinski triangle is a fractal based on a triangle. In each iteration, the center
of each shaded triangle is removed.

Given that the area of the original triangle is 1 square unit, write a sequence for
the area of the nth iteration of the Sierpinski triangle. (The first iteration is the
original triangle.)

b. The Sierpinski carpet is a fractal based on a square. In each iteration, the center
of each shaded square is removed.

Given that the area of the original square is 1 square unit, write a sequence for the
area of the nth iteration of the Sierpinski carpet. (The first iteration is the original
square.)
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c. Find the shaded area of the fourth iteration of the Sierpinski carpet.

Module 12 609 Lesson 2

16. A piece of paper is 0.1 millimeter thick. When folded, the paper is twice as thick.
a. Find both the explicit and recursive rule for this geometric sequence.

b. Studies have shown that you can fold a piece of paper a maximum of 7 times.
How thick will the paper be if it is folded on top of itself 7 times?

c. Assume that you could fold the paper as many times as you want. How many
folds would be required for the paper to be taller than Mount Everest at
8850 meters? (Hint: Use a calculator to generate two large powers of 2 and check
if the required number of millimeters is between those two powers. Continue
to refine your guesses.)

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company • Image Credits:

©imagefactory/Shutterstock

Module 12 610 Lesson 2

 H.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking

17. Justify Reasoning Suppose you have the following table of points of a geometric
sequence. The table is incomplete so you do not know the initial value. Determine
whether each of the following can or cannot be the rule for the function in the table.
If a function cannot be the rule for the sequence, explain why.

n ⋯ 4 5 6 7 ⋯

f​(n)​ ⋯ 6 12 24 48 ⋯

A. ƒ​(n)​ = ​2 ​n​
3 ​ · (​​ 2)​ ​ ​
B. ƒ​(n)​ = ​ _
n

8
C. ƒ​(n)​ = 2 · ƒ​(n-1)​, n ≥ 1 and ƒ​(0)​ = 6

​  3 ​ · (​​ 2)​ ​ ​

D. ƒ​(n)​ = _
n-1
4
3 ​
E. ƒ​(n)​ = 2 · ƒ​(n-1)​, n ≥ 1 and ƒ​(0)​ = ​ _
8
3 ​
F. ƒ​(n)​ = 2 · ƒ​(n-1)​, n ≥ 1 and ƒ​(1)​ = ​ _
4
G. ƒ​(n)​ = (​ 1.5)​ · (​​ 2)​ ​n - 2​

H. ƒ​(n)​ = 3 · (​​ 2)​ ​n - 3​

18. Communicate Mathematical Ideas Show that the rules ƒ​(n)​= ​ar ​n​for n ≥ 0 and
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ƒ​(n)​= ​ar ​n-1​ for n ≥ 1 for a geometric sequence are equivalent.

Module 12 611 Lesson 2

Lesson Performance Task
Have you ever heard of musical octaves? An octave is the interval between
a musical note and the same musical note in the next higher or lower pitch. Scale of D's
The frequencies of the sound waves of successive octaves of a note form
Frequency
a geometric sequence. For example, the table shows the frequencies in Note (Hz)
hertz (Hz), or cycles per second, produced by playing the note D in
ascending octaves, D​ ​0​being the lowest D note audible to the human ear. ​D 0​ ​ 18.35

a. 
Explain how to write an explicit rule and a recursive rule for ​D 1​ ​ 36.71
the frequency of D notes in hertz, where n = 1 represents D ​ 1​ ​. ​D 2​ ​ 73.42
​D 3​ ​ 146.83

b. The note commonly called “middle D” is D ​ 4​ ​. Use the explicit rule or the recursive
rule from part a to predict the frequency for middle D.

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c. Humans generally cannot hear sounds with frequencies greater than 20,000 Hz.
What is the first D note that humans cannot hear? Explain.

Module 12 612 Lesson 2

 Name Class Date

12.3 Geometric Series

Essential Question: How do you find the sum of a finite geometric series?

Resource
Locker

Explore 1 Investigating a Geometric Series

A series is the expression formed by adding the terms of a sequence. If the sequence is geometric and has a finite
number of terms, it is called a finite geometric series. In this Explore, you will generate several related finite
geometric series and find a formula for calculating the sum of each series.

A Start with a rectangular sheet of paper and assume the sheet has an area of 1 square unit.
Cut the sheet in half and lay down one of the half-pieces. Then cut the remaining piece
in half, and lay down one of the quarter-pieces as if rebuilding the original sheet of paper.
Continue the process: At each stage, cut the remaining piece in half, and lay down one of the
two pieces as if rebuilding the original sheet of paper.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

B Complete the table by expressing the total area of the paper that has been
laid down in two ways:

• as the sum of the areas of the pieces that have been laid down, and
• as the difference between 1 and the area of the remaining piece.
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Sum of the areas of the pieces that Difference of 1 and the area
Stage have been laid down of the remaining piece

_
1
1
2 1-_
1 =
2

2 _
1 + = 1- =
2

3 _
1 + + = 1- =
2

4 _
1 + + + = 1- =
2

Module 12 613 Lesson 3

 Reflect

1. Write the sequence formed by the areas of the individual pieces that are laid down. What type of
sequence is it?

2. In the table from Step B, you wrote four related finite geometric series: _​ 12​, _​ 12 ​ + _​ 14​  , _​ 12 ​ + _​ 14​ + _​ 81​, and
​ 12​ + __
_ ​  14 ​ + _​ 18​ + __
​ 16
1
​. One way you found the sum of each series was simply to add up
the terms. Describe another way you found the sum of each series.

3. If the process of cutting the remaining piece of paper and laying down one of the two pieces is continued,
()
n
you obtain the finite geometric series _​ 12 ​ + _​ 14​ + ... + ​​ _​ 12 ​ ​​ ​at the nth stage. Use your answer to the
previous question to find the sum of this series.

Explore 2   Deriving a Formula for the Sum of a Finite

Geometric Series
To find a general formula for the sum of a finite geometric series with n terms, begin by writing the series as
S(n) = a + ar + ​ar ​2​ + … + ​ar ​n - 1​.

A Find an expression for rS(n).

rS(n) = ar + ​ar ​ ​ + ​ar ​ ​ … + ​ar ​

2
​

B Find an expression for S(n) - rS(n) by aligning like terms and subtracting.
n-1
S(n) = a + ar + ​ar ​ ​ + … + a​ r ​
2
​
n-1
rS(n) = ar + ​ar​2​ + … + a​ r ​ ​ + ​ar ​ ​
n

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S(n) - rS(n) = a + + +…+ - ​ar ​ ​
n

C Simplify the expression for S(n) - rS(n).

S(n) - rS(n) =

D Factor the left and right sides of the equation in Step C.

S(n) = (1 - r​ ​ ​)

Divide both sides of the equation in Step D by 1 - r.

( )
E
-
S(n) = a​ ​  __________
1-r
​​

Module 12 614 Lesson 3

 Reflect

4. Check to see if the formula in Step E gives the same result as the answer you wrote for Reflect 3.

5. What restrictions are there on the values of r that can be used in the formula for the sum of a finite
geometric series? Explain.

Explain 1   Finding the Sum of a Finite Geometric Series

( )
1 - ​r ​ ​​ ​for the sum of a geometric series requires knowing the values
n
The formula S(n) = a ​ ​  _
1-r
of a, r, and n.
Recall that you learned how to find a and r for a geometric sequence, and the technique is no
different for a series: a is the value of the first term, and r is the ratio of any two successive terms.
To find n, you can simply count the terms if they are all listed. For instance, for the finite geometric
series 3 + 6 + 12 + 24 + 48, you can see that a = 3, r = 2, and n = 5.

If some of the terms of a finite geometric series have been replaced by an ellipsis, as in
2 + 6 + 18 + … + 1458, you obviously can’t count the terms. One way to deal with this
situation is to generate the missing terms by using the common ratio, which in this case is 3.
The next term after 18 is 3(18) = 54, and repeatedly multiplying by 3 to generate successive
terms gives 2 + 6 + 18 + 54 + 162 + 486 + 1458, so the series has 7 terms.

Another way to find the number of terms in 2 + 6 + 18 + … + 1458 is to recognize that the
n-1
nth term in a geometric series is a​ r ​ ​. For the series 2 + 6 + 18 + … + 1458 whose nth term
is 2​​(3)​ ​ ​, find n as follows:
n-1

2​​(3)​ ​ ​ = 1458
n-1
Set the nth term equal to the last term.

​​(3)​ ​ ​ = 729
n-1
Divide both as power of 3
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​​(3)​ ​ ​ = ​3 ​ ​
n-1 6
Write 729 as a power of 3

n-1=6 When the bases are the same, you can equate the exponents.

n=7 Add 1 to both sides

Find the sum of the finite geometric series.

A 5 + 15 + 45 + 135 + 405 + 1215

Step 1 Find the values of a, r, and n.

The first term in the series is a. a=5

Find the common ratio r by dividing two successive terms. ​  15 ​ = 3

r=_
5
Count the terms to find n. n=6

Module 12 615 Lesson 3

 (
1 - ​r ​ ​​ ​.
)
n
Step 2 Use the formula S(n) = a​ ​  _
1-r
Substitute the values of a, r, and n. (
1 - ​3 ​  ​​ ​
S(6) = 5​ ​  _
1-3
6
)
Evaluate the power in the numerator. (
1 - 729 ​​
= 5​ ​  _
1-3 )
Simplify the numerator and denominator. = 5​ _ ( -
​  728 ​​
-2 )
Simplify the fraction. = 5​(364)​

Multiply. = 1820

B ​ _41 ​+ _​  81 ​ + _
​  1 ​ + … + _
16
​  1 ​
512
Step 1 Find the values of a, r, and n.

The first term in the series is a. a=

​  1 ​
_
Find the common ratio by dividing two successive terms. r = ​  8  ​ =
_

(_​  21 ​)​ ​(_​  21 ​)​ ​

n-1 n-1
​ 1 ​​​
Set the nth term, _ 1 ​​​
​, equal to the last term to find n. ​ _ ​=
4 4

. ​​(_ ​  1 ​)​ ​
n-1
Multiply both sides by ​  1  ​
​=_
2 128

​ 1 ​. ​​(_ ​  1 ​)​ ​ ()

n-1
​  1  ​as a power of _
Write _ ​  1 ​ ​ ​
​ = ​​ _ ​
128 2 2 2

Equate the exponents. n-1=

Add 1 to both sides. n=

(
​  1-​r ​ ​ ​ ​. )
( ( )
)
n
Step 2 Use the formula S(n) = a​ _
1-r 1 - ​​ ​ ​ ​
Substitute the values of a, r, and n. S(8) =  ​ ​  __
    ​ ​

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

1-

Evaluate the power in the numerator.

4 1-_ ( )
1-
​  1 ​​ ​  _
=_  ​​
​  1 ​

( )
2

_
​   ​
Simplify the numerator and denominator. = ​   ​​ ​  256 ​
_ 1 _ ​
4 _ ​  1 ​
2

Simplify the fraction. ​  1 ​​

=_
4 ( )​
Multiply. =

Module 12 616 Lesson 3

 Your Turn

Find the sum of the finite geometric series.

6. 1 − 2 + 4 − 8 + 16 − 32

7. ​  1 ​ - _
_ ​  1 ​ + _
​  1 ​ … - ​ _1  ​
2 4 8 256
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Module 12 617 Lesson 3

 Explain 2 Solving a Real-World Problem Involving a Finite
Geometric Series
Some financial problems can be modeled by a geometric series. For instance, an annuity involves
equal payments made at regular intervals for a fixed amount of time. Because money can be
invested and earn interest, comparing the value of money today to the value of money in the
future requires accounting for the effect of interest. The future value of an annuity is how much
the annuity payments will be worth at some point in the future. The present value of an annuity
is how much the annuity payments are worth in the present.

Although an interest rate is typically expressed as an annual rate, it can be converted to a

rate for other periods of time. For instance, an annual interest rate of r% results in a monthly
r
interest rate of __
12
%. In general, if interest is earned n times per year, an annual interest rate
of r% is divided by n.

Example 2

A Niobe is saving for a down payment on a new car, which she intends to buy a year from
now. At the end of each month, she deposits $200 from her paycheck into a dedicated
savings account, which earns 3% annual interest that is applied to the account balance
each month. After making 12 deposits, how much money will Niobe have in her savings
account?

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company • Image Credits: ©Fuse/

Niobe is interested in the future value of her annuity (savings plan). A 3% annual
interest rate corresponds to a _3 % = 0.25% monthly interest rate.
12
First, calculate the sequence of end-of-month account balances. Recognize the
recursive nature of the calculations:

• The end-of-month balance for month 1 is $200 because the first deposit of $200
is made at the end of the month, but the deposit doesn’t earn any interest that month.

• The end-of-month balance for any other month is the sum of the previous month’s
Getty Images

end-of-month balance, the interest earned on the previous month’s end-of-month

balance, and the next deposit.

So, if B(m) represents the account balance for month m, then a recursive rule for the
account balances is B(1) = 200 and B(m) = B(m - 1) + B(m - 1) · 0.0025 + 200.
Notice that you can rewrite the equation B(m) = B(m - 1) + B(m - 1)·
0.0025 + 200 as B(m) = B(m - 1) · 1.0025 + 200 by using the Distributive Property.

Module 12 618 Lesson 3

 Month End-of-month balance of account
1 200
2 200 · 1.0025 + 200
3 [200(1.0025) + 200] · 1.0025 + 200 = 200(1.0025) 2 + 200(1.0025) + 200
[200(1.0025) 2 + 200(1.0025) + 200] · 1.0025 + 200 = 200(1.0025) 3
4
+ 200 (1.0025) 2 + 200(1.0025) + 200
⋮ ⋮
12 [200(1.0025) 10 + ⋯ + 200] · 1.0025 + 200 = 200(1.0025) 11 + ⋯ + 200(1.0025) + 200

Next, find the sum of the finite geometric series that represents the end-of-month
balance after 12 deposits. You may find it helpful to use the commutative property to
rewrite 200(1.0025) 11 + ⋯ + 200(1.0025) + 200 as 200 + 200(1.0025) + ⋯ + 200(1.0025)
11

so that it’s easier to see that the initial term a is 200 and the common ratio r is 1.0025.
Also, you know from the recursive process that this series has 12 terms. Apply the
formula for the sum of a finite geometric series in order to obtain the final balance
of the account.

S(12) = 200 __( )

1 - 1.0025 12
1 - 1.0025
To evaluate the expression for the sum, use a calculator. You may find
it helpful to enter the expression in parts and rely upon the calculator’s
Answer feature to accumulate the results. (You should avoid rounding
intermediate calculations, because the round-off errors will compound
and give an inaccurate answer.)

So, Niobe will have $2433.28 in her account after she makes 12 deposits.

B Niobe decides to postpone buying a new car because she wants to get a new smart phone
instead. She can pay the phone’s full price of $580 up front, or she can agree to pay an extra
$25 per month on her phone bill over the course of a two-year contract for phone service.

What is the present cost to Niobe if she agrees to pay $25 per month for two years, assuming
that she could put the money for the payments in a savings account that earns 3% annual
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

interest and make $25 monthly withdrawals for two years?

As in Part A, a 3% annual interest rate becomes a 0.25% monthly interest rate.

If Niobe puts an amount M 1 in the savings account and lets it earn interest for
1 month, then she will have M 1 + 0.0025M 1, or 1.0025M 1, available to make her first
$25
phone payment. Since she wants 1.0025M 1 to equal $25, M 1 must equal _ ≈ $24.94.
1.0025
This means that the present cost of her first phone payment is $24.94, because that
amount of money will be worth $25 in 1 month after earning $0.06 in interest.

Module 12 619 Lesson 3

 ​ ​2​in the savings account and
Similarly, if Niobe puts an additional amount M
lets it earn interest for 2 months, then she will have 1.0025​M 2​ ​after 1 month and
1.0025(1.0025​M 2​ ​), or ​(1.0025) ​ ​​M 2​ ​, after 2 months. Since she wants (1.0025​) ​ ​ ​M 2​ ​
$25
​ ​ ​must equal _
to equal $25, M 2 ​   ​ ≈ $ .
​(1.0025) ​ ​
This means that the present cost of her second phone payment is $ . It also means that she must
​ ​1​+ ​M 2​ ​= $24.94 + $
deposit a total of M =$ in the savings account in order to have
enough money for her first two phone payments.

Generalize these results to complete the following table.

Number of Payments Present Cost of Payments

25
1 ​ _ ​
1.0025

25 25
2 _
​   ​ + _
​   ​
1.0025 2
​(1.0025) ​ ​

25 25 25
3 ​ _ ​ + _​  ​+ _
​   ​
1.0025 2
​(1.0025) ​ ​ (1.0025)
​  ​ ​

⋮ ⋮

25 25 25
24 _
​   ​ + _
​   ​ + ⋯ + _
​   ​
1.0025 2
​(1.0025) ​ ​
​(1.0025) ​ ​

Find the sum of the finite geometric series that represents the present cost of 24 payments.

​  25  ​
a=_
1.0025

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

r=

n=
⎛ ⎞
S(24) =
⎜
​ ​​  __

⎝
  -​
1   
1-
​  ​​​ ​
⎟
⎠
≈ 581.65

Although Niobe will end up making total payments of $25 · 24 = $ , the present cost of the
payments is $581.65, which is only slightly more than the up-front price of the phone.

Module 12 620 Lesson 3

 YourTurn

8. A lottery winner is given the choice of collecting $1,000,000 immediately or collecting payments of $6000
per month for the next 20 years. Assuming the lottery money can be invested in an account with an annual
interest rate of 6% that is applied monthly, find the present value of the lottery’s delayed-payout plan in
order to compare it with the lump-sum plan and decide which plan is better.

Elaborate
a - r · ​ar ​ ​
n-1
9. An alternative way of writing the formula for the sum of a finite geometric series is S(n) = ​  __ ​.
1- r
Describe in words how to find the sum of a finite geometric series using this formula.

10. Describe how to find the number of terms in a finite geometric series when some of the terms have been
replaced by an ellipsis.
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11. Discussion When analyzing an annuity, why is it important to determine the annuity’s present value or
future value?

12. Essential Question Check-In What is the formula for the sum of the finite geometric series
a + ar + ​ar ​ ​ + ⋯ + ​ar​n - 1​?
2

Module 12 621 Lesson 3

 Evaluate: Homework and Practice
• Online Homework
1. Suppose you start with a square piece of paper that you divide into four quarters, • Hints and Help
cutting out an L-shaped piece using three of the quarters and laying it down to create • Extra Practice
the first term of a geometric series. You then use the remaining quarter to repeat the
process three more times, as shown.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

a. Complete the table.

Sum of the areas of the pieces that Difference of 1 and the area
Stage have been laid down of the remaining piece
3
_ 3
1 =_
1 1-_
4 4 4
2

b. Generalize the results in the table: At stage n, the second column gives you the

()
n
3
_
finite geometric series + _3 +⋯+3 _1 . The third column gives you a
4 16 4
way to find the sum of this series. What formula does the third column give you?

c. Show that the general formula for the sum of a finite geometric series agrees
with the specific formula from part b.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

2. In a later lesson you will learn how to use polynomial division to show that
x - 1 = x n - 1 + x n - 2 + ⋯ + x 2 + x + 1 for any integer n
n
_
x-1
greater 0. Use this identity as an alternative method of deriving
the formula for the sum of a finite geometric series with n terms.
n-1
That is, given the series a + ar + ar + ⋯ + ar , show that
2

(
1-r .
)
n
its sum is a _
1-r

Module 12 622 Lesson 3

 Find the sum of the finite geometric series.
3. −3 + 6 −12 + 24 − 48 + 96 − 192 + 384 4. ​  8 ​ - _
6-4+_ ​  32 ​
​  16 ​ + _
3 9 17

Determine how many terms the geometric series has, and then find the sum of
the series.
​  4 ​ -⋯- _
5. -12 - 4 - _ ​  4  ​ 6. 0.3 + 0.03 + 0.003 +⋯+ 0.000003
3 243

7. 6 + 30 + 150 +⋯+ 468,750 8. -3 + 9 - 27 +⋯-177,147

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Write the finite geometric series from its given description, and
then find its sum.
9. A geometric series that starts with 2, ends with 10. A geometric series with 5 terms that begins
-6250, and has a common ratio of -5 ​ 13 ​.
with 1 and has a common ratio of __

Module 12 623 Lesson 3

11. A geometric series with 7 terms that begins with 12. A geometric series where the first term is -12,
1000 and successively decreases by 20% the last term is -972, and each term after the
first is triple the previous term

13. Chess The first international chess tournament was held

in London in 1851. This single-elimination tournament
(in which paired competitors played matches and only the
winner of a match continued to the next round) began
with 16 competitors. How many matches were played?

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Image Credits: ©Muhannad

14. A ball is dropped from an initial height and allowed to bounce repeatedly. On the
first bounce (one up-and-down motion), the ball reaches a height of 32 inches.
On each successive bounce, the ball reaches 75% of its previous height. What is
the total vertical distance that the ball travels in 10 bounces? (Do not include
the initial height from which the ball is dropped.)
Fala’ah/Getty Images

Module 12 624 Lesson 3

 15. Medicine During a flu outbreak, health officials record 16 cases
the first week, 56 new cases the second week, and 196 new cases the
third week.
a. Assuming the pattern of new cases continues to follow a
geometric sequence, what total number of new cases will have
been recorded by the fifth week?

b. How many weeks will it take for the total number of recorded cases to
exceed 40,000?
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16. Finance A person deposits $5000 into an investment account at the end of each year
for 10 years. The account earns 4% interest annually. What is the future value of the
annuity after the 10th deposit?
Royalty Free

Module 12 625 Lesson 3

17. Business A business wants to buy a parcel of land in order to expand its operations.
The owner of the land offers two purchase options: Buy the land today for $100,000, or
buy the land in five equal payments of $22,000 where the payments are due a year apart
and the first payment is due immediately. The chief financial officer for the business
determines that money set aside for the purchase of the land can be invested and earn
5.4% interest annually. Which purchase option is the better deal for the business?
Explain.

18. Match each finite geometric series on the left with its sum on the right.
A. 2 + 6 + 18 + ··· + 1458      1094

B. 2 - 6 + 18 - ··· + 1458      -2186

C. -2 + 6 - 18 + ··· - 1458      2186

D. -2 -6 -8 - ··· - 1458      -1094

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H.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking

19. Represent Real-World Problems The formula for the future value FV of an annuity
consisting of n regular payments of p dollars at an interest rate of i (expressed

( )
​(1 + i)​ ​ - 1
n

as a decimal) is FV = p ​ ​  _________
i
​ ​, which is valid for any payment rate (such as
monthly or annually) as long as the interest rate has the same time unit. The formula
assumes that the future value is calculated when the last payment is made. Show how to
derive this formula.

Module 12 626 Lesson 3

 20. Represent Real-World Problems The formula for the present value PV of an
annuity consisting of n regular payments of p dollars at an interest rate of i (expressed

( )
1 - (​​ 1 + i)​ ​
-n

as a decimal) is PV = p​ ​  __________
i
​ ​, which is valid for any payment rate (such as
monthly or annually) as long as the interest rate has the same time unit. The formula
assumes that the present value is calculated one time unit before the first payment is
made. Show how to derive this formula.

21. Draw Conclusions Consider whether it’s possible for the infinite geometric series

(1 - ​r ​ ​
)
n
a + ar + ​ar 2​ ​ + ··· to have a finite sum. Since the formula S​(n)​= a​ ​  _____
1-r
​ ​gives
the sum of the first n terms of the series, a reasonable approach to finding the sum
of all terms in the series is to determine what happens to S​(n)​as n increases without
bound. Use this approach on each of the following series and draw a conclusion.

a. 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + ···
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​  1 ​ + _
b. 1 + _ ​  1 ​ + _
​  1 ​ + ···
2 4 8

Module 12 627 Lesson 3

Lesson Performance Task
You’ve finally purchased your dream home after saving for a long time. You’ve made a nice
down payment, and your mortgage loan is $150,000. It is a 30-year loan with an annual interest
rate of 4.5%, which is calculated monthly. Find a formula for calculating monthly mortgage
payments. Then find the monthly payment needed to pay off your mortgage loan.

Let P be the principal, r be the monthly interest rate expressed as a decimal, and m be the
monthly payment.

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Module 12 628 Lesson 3