In a geometric sequence, each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a constant factor called the common ratio. Here, 6Γ·3=2, 12Γ·6=2 and 24Γ·12=2, so the ratio between consecutive terms is consistently 2. This confirms that the common ratio is 2. Hence, option B correctly identifies the multiplier generating this sequence.
Option A:
The common ratio is 2, meaning each term is double the previous term. Starting from 3, multiplying by 2 gives 6, then 12, then 24, which matches the sequence given. In mathematical reasoning, recognising this multiplicative pattern helps to predict future terms and solve related problems. Therefore, 2 is the precise value that fits the definition of common ratio in this context.
Option B:
A common ratio of 3 would require that each term be three times the previous term, producing 3, 9, 27, 81 and so on. This does not match the actual sequence where the next term is only double the previous one. Since the ratios 6Γ·3, 12Γ·6 and 24Γ·12 are all 2, not 3, this option is incorrect.
Option C:
A common ratio of 4 would produce 3, 12, 48, 192, which is very different from the given numbers. None of the consecutive quotients in the sequence equals 4. Therefore, 4 cannot describe how the terms are generated, making this option wrong.
Option D:
A common ratio of 1.5 would create terms like 3, 4.5, 6.75, 10.125, which again do not appear in the question. The actual sequence remains strictly integer and doubles each time, unlike the fractional increase implied by 1.5. Hence, 1.5 is not suitable for this pattern.
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