Identify the Sequence 1 , -3 , 9 , -27 , 81

This is a geometric sequence since there is a common ratio between each term. In this case, multiplying the previous term in the sequence by ${\displaystyle -3}$ gives the next term. In other words, ${\displaystyle a_n=a_1{r}^{n-1}}$.

This is the form of a geometric sequence.

Substitute in the values of ${\displaystyle a_1=1}$ and ${\displaystyle r=-3}$.