Algebra - Geometric Progression

Geometric Progression (GP)

Definition, Properties, and Formulae of a Geometric Progression

A Geometric Progression (GP) is a sequence of numbers in which each term after the first is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a constant called the common ratio (\(q\)).

If the first term of the GP is \( a_1 \), then the sequence takes the form:
\[ a_1, a_1q, a_1q^2, a_1q^3, \dots \]

Key Parameters

  • \( a_1 \): First term of the GP
  • \( q \): Common ratio between terms
  • \( n \): Number of terms in the progression
  • \( a_n \): nth term of the progression

1. General Term of GP

\[ a_n = a_1 q^{n-1} \]

2. Sum of First \(n\) Terms (When \(q \neq 1\))

\[ S_n = \frac{a_1(q^n - 1)}{q - 1} \]

3. Sum of First \(n\) Terms (When \(q = 1\))

\[ S_n = n \cdot a_1 \]

GP Formula Chart
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