How can I find the 12th term of a geometric sequence if the first term is 8 and the sixth term is 8192?

To find the 12th term of a geometric sequence, we first need to identify the relationship between the terms. A geometric sequence can be described by the formula for its nth term, which is:

an = a1 * r(n-1)

Where:

  • an is the nth term,
  • a1 is the first term,
  • r is the common ratio, and
  • n is the term number.

We are given:

  • a1 = 8
  • a6 = 8192

First, we can write the sixth term using the formula:

a6 = a1 * r(6-1)

Substituting the known values:

8192 = 8 * r5

To isolate r5, divide both sides by 8:

r5 = 8192 / 8

Calculating the right side gives:

r5 = 1024

Then, we need to find the value of r by taking the fifth root of both sides:

r = 1024(1/5)

Since 1024 is equal to 210, we can write:

r = (210)(1/5) = 2(10/5) = 22 = 4

Now that we have the common ratio (r = 4), we can find the 12th term:

a12 = a1 * r(12-1)

Substituting the known values:

a12 = 8 * 411

Now we need to calculate 411. Knowing that 4 = 22, we can write:

411 = (22)11 = 2(2*11) = 222

So, substituting this back in:

a12 = 8 * 222

Since 8 is equal to 23, we have:

a12 = 23 * 222 = 2(3 + 22) = 225

Thus, the 12th term of the geometric sequence is:

a12 = 33554432

In conclusion, the 12th term of the geometric sequence where the first term is 8 and the sixth term is 8192 is 33554432.

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