Math Problem Statement

Write an equation to describe the sequence below. Use n to represent the position of a term in the sequence, where n = 1 for the first term. -61, -122, -244, ... Write your answer using decimals and integers.

Solution

To solve this problem and write an equation for the sequence, we follow these steps:


Step 1: Identify the pattern in the sequence.

The sequence is:
61,122,244,-61, \, -122, \, -244, \, \dots
We calculate the common difference, dd, between consecutive terms:
d=122(61)=122+61=61d = -122 - (-61) = -122 + 61 = -61
d=244(122)=244+122=122d = -244 - (-122) = -244 + 122 = -122
Thus, the common difference dd is 61-61.


Step 2: Use the formula for an arithmetic sequence.

The general form for an arithmetic sequence is:
an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1)d
where:

  • ana_n is the nn-th term,
  • a1a_1 is the first term,
  • dd is the common difference,
  • nn is the position of the term.

Step 3: Substitute the known values.

  • a1=61a_1 = -61 (first term)
  • d=61d = -61 (common difference)

Substitute into the formula:
an=61+(n1)(61)a_n = -61 + (n-1)(-61)

Simplify:
an=6161(n1)a_n = -61 - 61(n-1)

Distribute 61-61:
an=6161n+61a_n = -61 - 61n + 61

Combine like terms:
an=61na_n = -61n


Final Answer:

The equation for the sequence is:
an=61na_n = -61n


If you have further questions or need a more detailed explanation, let me know!


Related Questions:

  1. What is the general formula for an arithmetic sequence?
  2. How do you find the common difference in a sequence?
  3. What would be the 5th term of this sequence?
  4. Can you determine the nn-th term for a geometric sequence instead?
  5. How would you write the sequence if the common difference was positive?

Tip: Always check for the common difference first in any sequence to confirm if it is arithmetic.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Linear Equations
Algebra

Formulas

a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9