Math Problem Statement

The numbers x,x/2,y-2, 2y - x are four consecutive terms of an arithmetic sequence. What real numbers are the 2 terms of the sequence immediately before x and after 2y - x?

Solution

To solve the problem, we must first identify the terms immediately before xx and after 2yx2y - x in the arithmetic sequence.

Step 1: Recall the property of an arithmetic sequence

In an arithmetic sequence, the difference between consecutive terms is constant. If the four terms x,x2,y2,2yxx, \frac{x}{2}, y-2, 2y-x form an arithmetic sequence, then: Common difference=(Term 2 - Term 1)=(Term 3 - Term 2)=(Term 4 - Term 3).\text{Common difference} = \text{(Term 2 - Term 1)} = \text{(Term 3 - Term 2)} = \text{(Term 4 - Term 3)}.

Step 2: Set up equations

  1. From the first two terms: x2x=x2.\frac{x}{2} - x = -\frac{x}{2}. The common difference is x2-\frac{x}{2}.

  2. From the second and third terms: (y2)x2=x2.(y - 2) - \frac{x}{2} = -\frac{x}{2}. Simplify: y2x2=x2.y - 2 - \frac{x}{2} = -\frac{x}{2}. Rearrange: y2=0y=2.y - 2 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad y = 2.

  3. From the third and fourth terms: (2yx)(y2)=x2.(2y - x) - (y - 2) = -\frac{x}{2}. Substitute y=2y = 2: (2(2)x)(22)=x2.(2(2) - x) - (2 - 2) = -\frac{x}{2}. Simplify: 4x=x2.4 - x = -\frac{x}{2}. Multiply through by 2 to eliminate the fraction: 82x=x8=x.8 - 2x = -x \quad \Rightarrow \quad 8 = x.

Step 3: Verify the terms

  • First term: x=8x = 8,
  • Second term: x2=4\frac{x}{2} = 4,
  • Third term: y2=22=0y - 2 = 2 - 2 = 0,
  • Fourth term: 2yx=48=42y - x = 4 - 8 = -4.

These form an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of 4-4: 8,4,0,4.8, 4, 0, -4.

Step 4: Find the terms immediately before xx and after 2yx2y - x

  1. The term before x=8x = 8 is: 8+(4)=12.8 + (-4) = 12.

  2. The term after 2yx=42y - x = -4 is: 4+(4)=8.-4 + (-4) = -8.

Final Answer:

The terms immediately before xx and after 2yx2y - x are: 12 and 8.\boxed{12 \text{ and } -8.}


Would you like a detailed breakdown or further clarification?

Related Questions:

  1. What are the general properties of an arithmetic sequence?
  2. How do you determine the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence?
  3. Can you generalize this solution for different starting terms?
  4. How does this sequence change if the common difference is positive instead of negative?
  5. How are arithmetic and geometric sequences different?

Tip:

Always verify your solution by substituting the values back into the sequence to ensure they form a valid arithmetic progression.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequence
Algebra

Formulas

Common difference of an arithmetic sequence = (Term n+1 - Term n)

Theorems

Property of arithmetic sequences: The difference between consecutive terms is constant.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10