Math Problem Statement

What is the 20th term of the arithmetic sequence -20, -29, -38, -47,...?

Solution

The given arithmetic sequence is:

20,29,38,47,-20, -29, -38, -47, \dots

In an arithmetic sequence, the nth term can be found using the formula:

an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n - 1) \cdot d

Where:

  • ana_n is the nth term,
  • a1a_1 is the first term,
  • dd is the common difference between the terms, and
  • nn is the position of the term in the sequence.

Step 1: Find the common difference

The common difference dd is the difference between consecutive terms: d=29(20)=29+20=9d = -29 - (-20) = -29 + 20 = -9

Step 2: Use the formula to find the 20th term

Now, plug the values into the formula:

  • a1=20a_1 = -20,
  • d=9d = -9, and
  • n=20n = 20.

a20=20+(201)(9)a_{20} = -20 + (20 - 1) \cdot (-9) a20=20+19(9)a_{20} = -20 + 19 \cdot (-9) a20=20+(171)a_{20} = -20 + (-171) a20=191a_{20} = -191

So, the 20th term of the sequence is 191-191.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you find the sum of the first 20 terms of this arithmetic sequence?
  2. What is the formula for the sum of an arithmetic sequence?
  3. How would you find the nth term if the common difference was positive?
  4. How do arithmetic sequences differ from geometric sequences?
  5. Can you derive the nth term of a sequence with a variable common difference?

Tip: In arithmetic sequences, the difference between consecutive terms remains constant, which makes predicting future terms straightforward using the formula.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Algebra

Formulas

nth term of an arithmetic sequence: a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) * d

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8