Geometric sequence

r=common ratio
a1=first term
find r
a1=8
a6=-8192


divide both sides by 8

take 5th root of both sides
-4=r
sub



Given:
The given quadratic equation is

or, 
And
The roots are given: 
To find the missing step.
Let us solve the equation.

or, 
or,
[ eliminating 16 from both the side]
or, 
or, 
or, 
Hence,
The step 2 could be 
2 surfaces are 6 in by 9 in, meaning that their combined area is 2(54 in^2).
2 surfaces are 6 in by 18 in; combined area is 2(108 in^2).
2 surfaces are 9 in by 18 in; combined area is 2(162 in^2).
Add up these areas: A = 2(54+108+162) in^2 = 648 in^2 (answer)