Math Problem Statement

We define a sequence (u_n) by u_n = -3n + 7 for any natural number n. Determine the first 4 terms of the sequence.

Solution

We are given a sequence (un)(u_n) defined by the formula:

un=3n+7u_n = -3n + 7 for all natural numbers nn. We need to determine the first four terms of this sequence, namely u0u_0, u1u_1, u2u_2, and u3u_3.

Let's calculate each term:

  1. For u0u_0: u0=3(0)+7=0+7=7u_0 = -3(0) + 7 = 0 + 7 = 7

  2. For u1u_1: u1=3(1)+7=3+7=4u_1 = -3(1) + 7 = -3 + 7 = 4

  3. For u2u_2: u2=3(2)+7=6+7=1u_2 = -3(2) + 7 = -6 + 7 = 1

  4. For u3u_3: u3=3(3)+7=9+7=2u_3 = -3(3) + 7 = -9 + 7 = -2

So, the first four terms of the sequence are:

u0=7,u1=4,u2=1,u3=2u_0 = 7, \quad u_1 = 4, \quad u_2 = 1, \quad u_3 = -2

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions to further explore:

  1. How can we derive a general expression for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence?
  2. What is the common difference in the sequence un=3n+7u_n = -3n + 7?
  3. How would the sequence change if the formula was un=3n+7u_n = 3n + 7?
  4. Can you graph the first few terms of this sequence on a Cartesian plane?
  5. How do you find the sum of the first nn terms of an arithmetic sequence?

Tip: In arithmetic sequences, the difference between consecutive terms is constant, and it is called the "common difference."

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Linear Functions

Formulas

u_n = -3n + 7

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8