In a set of four numbers, the first three are in a geometric sequence and the last three are in an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of 6. If the first number is the same as the fourth, find the four numbers.
Let the common ratio of the first three numbers is r and the numbers be x1,x2,x3, and x4, respectively. Note that we can replace the value of the first number anytime with the fourth.
From the fact that the last three numbers are in an arithmetic sequence, we can rewrite the set as
x2+12,x2,x2+6,x2+12
We can then get the pair of equations
r(x2+12)r=x2
rx2=x2+6
Solving, we find that x2=−4 and r=−1/2. Therefore, the set of four numbers is
8,−4,2,8
Let the common ratio of the first three numbers is r and the numbers be x1,x2,x3, and x4, respectively. Note that we can replace the value of the first number anytime with the fourth.
From the fact that the last three numbers are in an arithmetic sequence, we can rewrite the set as
x2+12,x2,x2+6,x2+12
We can then get the pair of equations
r(x2+12)r=x2
rx2=x2+6
Solving, we find that x2=−4 and r=−1/2. Therefore, the set of four numbers is
8,−4,2,8