Math Problem Statement

Find the 515th term of the arithmetic sequence 29, 9, -11, ...

Solution

To find the 515th term of the arithmetic sequence 29,9,11,29, 9, -11, \dots, we need to use the formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence:

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

Where:

  • ana_n is the nn-th term,
  • a1a_1 is the first term,
  • dd is the common difference, and
  • nn is the term number.

Step 1: Find the common difference dd

The common difference dd is the difference between consecutive terms. For this sequence:

d=929=20d = 9 - 29 = -20

Step 2: Apply the formula

We know:

  • a1=29a_1 = 29,
  • d=20d = -20, and
  • n=515n = 515.

Now, plug these into the formula:

a515=29+(5151)(20)a_{515} = 29 + (515 - 1) \cdot (-20)

a515=29+514(20)a_{515} = 29 + 514 \cdot (-20)

a515=2910280a_{515} = 29 - 10280

a515=10251a_{515} = -10251

Final Answer:

The 515th term of the sequence is 10251-10251.

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are 5 related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How would the process change if the common difference was positive?
  2. Can you explain why the arithmetic sequence formula works?
  3. How would you find the sum of the first 515 terms of this sequence?
  4. What is the formula to find the nn-th term of a geometric sequence?
  5. How does this arithmetic sequence compare to a geometric sequence with a constant ratio?

Tip: Always check the common difference twice to avoid errors when calculating terms in arithmetic sequences.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Linear Patterns

Formulas

n-th term formula: a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) * d

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12