What is the next term in the geometric series 16, -4, 1, 1/4,...?

Question

a. -1/8

b. 0

c. 1/16

d. 1/8

e. 1/2

Answer 1

the common ration = T2/ T1 = -4/16 = -1/4

the next term = 1/4 * -1/4 = - 1/16  

Answer 2

Looking at the first couple terms, you are multiplying by -1/4 each time (or dividing by -4, if you want to look at it that way).  However, it looks like you made a mistake with the fourth term which should be -1/4 (negative).

16 x -1/4 = -4

-4 x -1/4 = 1

1 x -1/4 = -1/4

-1/4 x -1/4 = 1/16

etc.

Answer:

c. 1/16

Answer 3

C, but shouldn't it be -1/4?

Answer 4

C

The pattern is -1/4 the previous supposing that 1/4 should be negative.  The next term would therefore be 1/16

Answer 5

Its none. 16/-4 = -4

-4/1 = -4

1/1/4=4

so there is no next term.