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Last updated: July 31, 2026

Geometric Sequence Calculator

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Formula

aₙ = a₁·r^(n−1); Sₙ = a₁·(1−rⁿ)/(1−r) for r ≠ 1, otherwise Sₙ = n·a₁

Where:

  • firstTerm=First Term (a₁)
  • ratio=Common Ratio (r)
  • n=Term Number (n)
Geometric SequenceA series of bars of increasing height representing the terms of a geometric sequence, each term found by multiplying the previous term by a common ratio.a₁a₂a₃a₄a₅Formulaaₙ = a₁·rⁿ⁻¹Sₙ = a₁(1-rⁿ)/(1-r)
Each term of a geometric sequence is the previous term multiplied by a constant ratio r.

Worked Examples

Growing sequence

Find the 6th term and sum when a₁=3 and r=2.

  1. 1Apply aₙ = a₁·r^(n−1)
  2. 2Compute 3·2^5 for the 6th term
  3. 3Use geometric-sum formula for first 6 terms
Final Answer: n-th term = 96, sum = 189

Constant sequence

Use ratio 1 to get repeated terms.

  1. 1All terms equal first term when r=1
  2. 2a₄ stays 5
  3. 3Sum is n·a₁ = 4·5
Final Answer: n-th term = 5, sum = 20

Alternating signs

Use a negative ratio.

  1. 1Signs alternate with negative ratio
  2. 2Compute a₅ from exponent n−1
  3. 3Add first 5 terms for S₅
Final Answer: n-th term = 0.5, sum ≈ 5.5

Introduction

A geometric sequence multiplies each term by the same ratio. This calculator returns the requested term and the cumulative sum for fast sequence analysis.

Formula Overview

Geometric Sequence Calculator uses a deterministic math model based on the calculator logic in calculation.ts.

  • aₙ = a₁·r^(n−1); Sₙ = a₁·(1−rⁿ)/(1−r) for r ≠ 1, otherwise Sₙ = n·a₁

  • Inputs are validated before computation

  • Outputs are rounded consistently for readable results

  • Invalid values return safe fallback outputs

Input Guide

Use each input key exactly as defined below to match calculator wiring and test coverage.

  1. 1

    firstTerm: First Term (a₁)

  2. 2

    ratio: Common Ratio (r)

  3. 3

    n: Term Number (n)

Output Guide

These output IDs map directly to the return object keys in calculation.ts.

  1. 1

    nthTerm: Value of the requested term aₙ

  2. 2

    sumOfNTerms: Total of the first n terms in the sequence

Validation Rules

The calculator checks for finite numeric values and applies domain constraints before solving.

  • Required fields must be present

  • Domain limits are enforced (for example positive lengths or valid operators)

  • Invalid or non-finite entries resolve to safe defaults

  • Use examples to verify expected behavior quickly

How to Use

Enter inputs, run calculation, and interpret the primary output first before reviewing supporting values.

  • Provide all required inputs

  • Click calculate

  • Read primary output first

  • Use secondary outputs for deeper analysis

Practical Uses

This calculator supports classroom work, engineering checks, and fast verification tasks.

  • Homework and exam preparation

  • Design and geometry validation

  • Spreadsheet cross-checking

  • Quick scenario analysis

FAQs

What does the Geometric Sequence Calculator compute?

It computes n-th Term, Sum of First n Terms from validated input values.

Which inputs are required?

Required inputs are: First Term (a₁), Common Ratio (r), Term Number (n).

How are invalid values handled?

If inputs are invalid or out of domain, the calculator returns safe default outputs instead of invalid math.

Are results rounded?

Yes. Numeric values are rounded in calculation.ts (typically to six decimal places).

Can I use negative or decimal values?

Decimals are accepted where mathematically valid; sign/domain constraints are enforced by the calculator logic.

How can I verify results?

Use the worked examples and compare each output key with manual calculations or trusted references.