In a geometric series, term number 1=3 and Sum of first 3 terms=21. Determine the common ratio. Thanks!
So your GP is
3, 3r, 3r^2 ....
where
\(3+3r+3r^2=21\\ 3r^2+3r+3=21\\ r^2+r+1=7\\ r^2+r-6=0\\ (r+3)(r-2)=0\\ r=-3\quad or \quad r=2\\ so\\ 3,-9, 27 \qquad sum=21\\ 3,6, 12 \qquad sum=21\\\)
so the common ratio could be -3 or +2
+72 
