Math Problem Statement

-2,3,-4,5,-6

Solution

The sequence you've provided is: 2,3,4,5,6-2, 3, -4, 5, -6.

This sequence alternates between negative and positive numbers, and it seems to involve increasing the absolute value by 1 each time. However, the pattern alternates in a specific way:

  1. The first number is 2-2, which is negative.
  2. The next number is 33, which is positive.
  3. The third number is 4-4, which is negative again.
  4. The fourth number is 55, which is positive.
  5. The fifth number is 6-6, which is negative.

Pattern Explanation:

  • Odd positions have negative values: 2,4,6-2, -4, -6
  • Even positions have positive values: 3,53, 5

Observations:

  • The absolute value of each term increases by 1 as you move from one term to the next.
  • The sign alternates between negative and positive.

This sequence can be described by a formula for the nnth term ana_n as:

an=(1)n(n+1)a_n = (-1)^n \cdot (n + 1)

Where:

  • (1)n(-1)^n alternates the sign (negative for even nn and positive for odd nn)
  • n+1n + 1 gives the absolute value of the term.

Would you like to explore this pattern further or have any specific questions about it?

Here are five related questions:

  1. What would be the 6th term in this sequence?
  2. Can you generalize the formula for any alternating sequence like this?
  3. How does the sequence change if the first term is positive?
  4. What if the difference between consecutive terms is not 1 but some other constant?
  5. How would the sequence behave if the signs didn't alternate?

Tip: When analyzing sequences, look for patterns in both the sign and magnitude of the terms. This helps in identifying the general formula.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Alternating Series
Pattern Recognition

Formulas

a_n = (-1)^n * (n + 1)

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12