Math Problem Statement

Determine the common difference, the fifth term, the nth term, and the 100th term of the arithmetic sequence 19, 15, 11, 7, ...

Solution

The question is asking to determine values for an arithmetic sequence given the first few terms: 19,15,11,7,19, 15, 11, 7, \dots.

Step 1: Find the Common Difference (dd)

In an arithmetic sequence, the common difference is the difference between consecutive terms: d=a2a1=1519=4d = a_2 - a_1 = 15 - 19 = -4

Step 2: Find the Fifth Term (a5a_5)

The formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence is: an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1)d Substitute n=5n = 5, a1=19a_1 = 19, and d=4d = -4: a5=19+(51)(4)=19+4(4)=1916=3a_5 = 19 + (5-1)(-4) = 19 + 4(-4) = 19 - 16 = 3

Step 3: General Formula for ana_n

The general formula is: an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1)d Substitute a1=19a_1 = 19 and d=4d = -4: an=19+(n1)(4)=194(n1)a_n = 19 + (n-1)(-4) = 19 - 4(n-1) Simplify: an=194n+4=234na_n = 19 - 4n + 4 = 23 - 4n

Step 4: Find the 100th Term (a100a_{100})

Use the formula an=234na_n = 23 - 4n with n=100n = 100: a100=234(100)=23400=377a_{100} = 23 - 4(100) = 23 - 400 = -377

Final Answers:

  • d=4d = -4
  • a5=3a_5 = 3
  • an=234na_n = 23 - 4n
  • a100=377a_{100} = -377

Would you like a more detailed explanation of any step?

Related Questions:

  1. What is the sum of the first 10 terms of this arithmetic sequence?
  2. How do you determine if a sequence is arithmetic or geometric?
  3. How can you find the term number of a specific value in an arithmetic sequence?
  4. What are real-world applications of arithmetic sequences?
  5. How do you derive the general formula for any arithmetic sequence?

Tip: Always verify the common difference to confirm the sequence is arithmetic!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Linear Equations

Formulas

an = a1 + (n-1)d
an = 23 - 4n

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10