Every term of a sequence, except the 1st term, is 5 times the previous term. If the 8th term of the sequence is 0.06, then the 5th term of the sequence is between
Answer Choices
Correct answer marked belowSee the full step-by-step explanation
You can see the correct answer above. Sign in for free to unlock the complete worked solution.
Track your performance and improve
Get detailed analytics, unlock full explanations, and move up difficulty tiers as you practice.
Unlock the full explanation
Create a free account to reveal the correct answer, see the step-by-step explanation, and start tracking your GMAT progress.
Wait, if every term is 5 times the previous, going backward means dividing by 5 each time. From 8th to 5th is 3 steps, so 0.06 / 125. Got it, thanks!
Yep, that's the cleanest way to see it. I almost started building the whole sequence forward before realizing backward is faster.
Same. The word 'except the 1st term' threw me for a second but it doesn't matter here.
The decimals here are sneaky. I kept miscounting the zeros when dividing by 5 three times. Anyone else have a trick so you don't slip a place value?
I just rewrite 0.06 as 6/100 and divide by 125. Fraction form saved me from the zero-counting trap.
This feels a bit above the average sequence question because of the decimal place-value work, but the underlying ratio idea is straightforward. Solid 655-705 for sure.
Agreed, the concept is easy but the arithmetic is where people lose time.
Quick strategy note: whenever the question asks for a term between ranges with powers of 5 in the answers, just figure out how many divisions by 5 you need and match the magnitude. No need to compute exactly.
What it tests
Your ability to spot and extend arithmetic and geometric sequences and work with recursive definitions.
Common trap
Off-by-one errors in indexing (a₀ vs a₁) or confusing an arithmetic difference with a geometric ratio.