In a geometric sequence, the term a n+1 can be smaller than the term a n

Do you mean a_(n+1), worded a sub (n+1)?

If so yes.  If the function of the sequence is getting smaller or more negative with each term.

There is no catapult arm length that Aiden and Natalie can both use to launch their tennis balls the same distance. This is because the only length that will end up with a ball launched at the same distance, is a negative number. (-32.2) Since this is a real world problem, it's impossible for there to be a negative catapult arm length.