Hi. I'm an 11 IB student and our current topic is "Geometric Sequences." I can't understand how to do the following question. "The numbers 3a + 1, a + 2, and a - 4 are three consecutive terms of a geometric sequence. Find the two possible values of the common ratio."

I would really appreciate it if someone could explain how to solve this problem.
Thanks in advance.

because linear equations are a lot simpler than quadratics equations, and linear equations formula is a lot easier to memorize. that's why i think they're harder.

i need more details sorry

step-by-step explanation:

x is the total time in minutes for the free response

you are given number of questions as 15 - m and time per item as 8 minutes

to find x multiply the two givens together:

x = 8 * (15-m) = 8(15-m)