If the second term of a geometric sequence of real numbers is -2 and the fifth term is 16 then what is the fourteenth term?

A geometric sequence such that ...

We can use the ratio of the given terms to find the common ratio of the sequence, then use that to find the desired term from one of the given terms. We don't actually need the common ratio (-2). All we need is its cube (-8).

set each factor equal to 0

4x-3 = 0

2x-1 = 0

solve for x.

4x-3=0

4x=3

x= 3/4

solve for x. 

2x-1= 0

2x= 1

x= 1/2

your answer should be 1/2 is less than or equal to x and 3/4 is greater than or equal to x