document.write( "Question 1146283: The sum of the first 8 terms of a geometrical series is 17 times the sum of its first 4 terms. Find the common ratio.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "This is the equation I have come up with (a is first term, r is common ratio):\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "\"%28a%28r%5E8-1%29%29%2F%28r-1%29+=+%2817a%28r%5E4-1%29%29%2F%28r-1%29\"\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "But I don't really know how to solve it.
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Algebra.Com's Answer #767567 by greenestamps(13200)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


\n" ); document.write( "In your equation, the \"a\" in the numerator and the \"r-1\" in the denominator are the same, so the equation simplifies to

\n" ); document.write( "\"%28r%5E8-1%29+=+17%28r%5E4-1%29\"

\n" ); document.write( "Then on the left note that

\n" ); document.write( "\"r%5E8-1+=+%28r%5E4%2B1%29%28r%5E4-1%29\"

\n" ); document.write( "That should lead you quickly to TWO solutions to the problem.
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