Math Problem Statement

Find the twentieth term of the arithmetic sequence whose fourteenth term is 30​, and whose twenty dash first term is 44.

Solution

To find the twentieth term of the arithmetic sequence, we need to determine the common difference dd and the first term a1a_1 of the sequence. The general formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence is:

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

Step 1: Use the information given

  • The 1414-th term (a14a_{14}) is 30: a14=a1+(141)d=a1+13d=30a_{14} = a_1 + (14 - 1)d = a_1 + 13d = 30

  • The 2121-st term (a21a_{21}) is 44: a21=a1+(211)d=a1+20d=44a_{21} = a_1 + (21 - 1)d = a_1 + 20d = 44

Step 2: Solve the system of equations

From the two equations:

  1. a1+13d=30a_1 + 13d = 30
  2. a1+20d=44a_1 + 20d = 44

Subtract the first equation from the second to eliminate a1a_1: (a1+20d)(a1+13d)=4430(a_1 + 20d) - (a_1 + 13d) = 44 - 30 7d=14    d=27d = 14 \quad \implies \quad d = 2

Substitute d=2d = 2 into the first equation: a1+13(2)=30a_1 + 13(2) = 30 a1+26=30    a1=4a_1 + 26 = 30 \quad \implies \quad a_1 = 4

Step 3: Find the 20th term

The formula for the nn-th term is: an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n - 1)d

For the 2020-th term (n=20n = 20): a20=a1+(201)d=4+19(2)a_{20} = a_1 + (20 - 1)d = 4 + 19(2) a20=4+38=42a_{20} = 4 + 38 = 42

Final Answer:

The twentieth term of the arithmetic sequence is: 42\boxed{42}


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Related Questions:

  1. What is the sum of the first 20 terms of this arithmetic sequence?
  2. How can you derive the general term (ana_n) for this sequence?
  3. What would the sequence look like from the first term to the twenty-first term?
  4. How would the calculation change if a14a_{14} and a21a_{21} were reversed?
  5. What happens to the sequence if the common difference (dd) is changed to 3?

Tip:

In arithmetic sequences, knowing any two terms and their positions allows you to calculate everything about the sequence, including the common difference and any other term.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Linear Equations
Algebra

Formulas

General formula for the nth term of an arithmetic sequence: an = a1 + (n - 1)d

Theorems

Properties of Arithmetic Sequences

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10