+0  
 
0
2
1
avatar+1389 

When the same constant is added to the numbers $a,$ $b,$ and $c,$ a three-term geometric sequence arises. If $a = 60,$ $b = 100,$ and $c = 140,$ what is the common ratio of the resulting sequence?

 Aug 13, 2024
 #1
avatar+1858 
0

First, we can write a handy equation to solve for the constant and find the 3 terms. 

Let's let the constant added to every number be x. 

 

Since the three terms for a geometric series, we have the equation

\(\frac{100+x}{60+x} = \frac{140+x}{100+x}\)

 

Now, when we corssmultiply and then expand everything out, we get

\((x+100)(100+x)=(x+60)(140+x)\\ 200x+x^{2}+10000=140x+x^{2}+{8400+60x}\\ 200x+x^{2}+10000=200x+x^{2}+8400\)

 

Now, we bring all terms to one side of the equation. We have

\(200x+x^{2}+10000-x^{2}-200x-8400=0\\200x+1600-200x=0 \\ 1600=0\)

 

However, this statement is obviously not true, meaning that x is invalid. 

This also means that there are NO solutions to this given problem. 

 

*Note, I may have made a mistake. Not sure. 

Thanks! :)

 Aug 13, 2024
edited by NotThatSmart  Aug 13, 2024

2 Online Users

avatar