Question

Given the following geometric sequence, find the 12th term: {2, -4, 8, ...}.

Answer 1

2 times what = -4?
-2 does
-2 x 2 = -4

-4 time what = 8?
Again, -2.
-2 x -4 = 8

You could do this over and over again or make a table, or you can make a function.
f(n) = f(1) • r$^{n-1}$
f(1) in this case is 2.
f(n) = 2 • r$^{n-1}$
r is rate of change, which is -2.
f(n) = 2 • -2$^{n-1}$
To find the 12th number in the sequence, just substitute n for 12.
f(12) = 2 • -2$^{12-1}$
f(12) = 2 • -2$^{11}$
-2^11 = -2048
2 x -2048 = -4096
So the 12th number in the sequence will be -4096.