geometric progression


noun Mathematics.

a sequence of terms in which the ratio between any two successive terms is the same, as the progression 1, 3, 9, 27, 81 or 144, 12, 1, 1/12, 1/144.
Also called geometric series.

Origin of geometric progression

First recorded in 1550–60

British Dictionary definitions for geometric progression

geometric progression

noun

a sequence of numbers, each of which differs from the succeeding one by a constant ratio, as 1, 2, 4, 8, … Compare arithmetic progression

Scientific definitions for geometric progression

geometric progression

A sequence of numbers in which each number is multiplied by the same factor to obtain the next number in the sequence. In a geometric progression, the ratio of any two adjacent numbers is the same. An example is 5, 25, 125, 625, … , where each number is multiplied by 5 to obtain the following number, and the ratio of any number to the next number is always 1 to 5. Compare arithmetic progression.

Cultural definitions for geometric progression

geometric progression

In mathematics, a sequence of numbers in which each number is obtained from the previous one by multiplying by a constant. For example, the sequence 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 ... (in which each number is multiplied by 2 to get the next one) is a geometric progression.

notes for geometric progression

Many processes involving growth and spreading, such as population increases, can be described as geometric progressions.