Standard +0.3 This is a straightforward C2 question requiring students to apply the constant ratio property of geometric sequences (middle term squared equals product of outer terms), leading to a simple quadratic equation. While it involves algebraic manipulation, it's a standard textbook exercise with a clear method and no conceptual subtlety, making it slightly easier than average.
2. The first three terms of a geometric series are ( \(p - 1\) ), 2 and ( \(2 p + 5\) ) respectively, where \(p\) is a constant.
Find the two possible values of \(p\).
2. The first three terms of a geometric series are ( $p - 1$ ), 2 and ( $2 p + 5$ ) respectively, where $p$ is a constant.
Find the two possible values of $p$.\\
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel C2 Q2 [5]}}