Describe the multiplication pattern and find the next two terms.

40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, …

A.
The first term is 40. Each term is multiplied by 0.5. The next two terms are 0.625 and 0.3125.

B.
The first term is 40. Each term is multiplied by 0.5. The next two terms are 1.25 and 0.625.

C.
The first term is 40. Each term is multiplied by 2. The next two terms are 1.25 and 0.625.

D.
The first term is 40. Each term is multiplied by 2. The next two terms are 5 and 10.

Question

Describe the multiplication pattern and find the next two terms. 

40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, …
  
 
 

 
 

  

  A. 
  The first term is 40. Each term is multiplied by 0.5. The next two terms are 0.625 and 0.3125.   
   

 
 

  

  B. 
  The first term is 40. Each term is multiplied by 0.5. The next two terms are 1.25 and 0.625.   
   

 
 

  

  C. 
  The first term is 40. Each term is multiplied by 2. The next two terms are 1.25 and 0.625.   
   

 
 

  

  D. 
  The first term is 40. Each term is multiplied by 2. The next two terms are 5 and 10.

mathmale · Answer

Given the sequence

40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, …

Ask yourself:  If you start with first term 40, and the next term is 20, what was the multiplier involved?  In other words, if 40(r)=20, what was the "common ratio," r?