Math Problem Statement

Write an equation for the nth term of the arithmetic sequence. Then find a50. Sequence: -29, -12, 5, 22, ...

Solution

To solve this problem, let’s first analyze the given sequence and then find the equation for the nn-th term as well as the 50th term, a50a_{50}.

Step 1: Identify the First Term and Common Difference

The sequence given is: 29,12,5,22,-29, -12, 5, 22, \ldots

  1. First term (a1a_1): The first term is 29-29.

  2. Common difference (dd): We find the common difference by subtracting consecutive terms.

    d=12(29)=12+29=17d = -12 - (-29) = -12 + 29 = 17

So, the common difference d=17d = 17.

Step 2: Write the General Formula for the nn-th Term

The general formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence is: an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n - 1)d

Substitute a1=29a_1 = -29 and d=17d = 17: an=29+(n1)×17a_n = -29 + (n - 1) \times 17 Simplify this expression: an=29+17n17a_n = -29 + 17n - 17 an=17n46a_n = 17n - 46

So, the formula for the nn-th term is: an=17n46a_n = 17n - 46

Step 3: Find a50a_{50}

Now, substitute n=50n = 50 into the formula to find a50a_{50}: a50=17×5046a_{50} = 17 \times 50 - 46 a50=85046a_{50} = 850 - 46 a50=804a_{50} = 804

Final Answers

  • The nn-th term formula: an=17n46a_n = 17n - 46
  • The 50th term: a50=804a_{50} = 804

Would you like further details or explanations on any part?

Here are five additional questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How can you find the sum of the first 50 terms of this arithmetic sequence?
  2. What would the 100th term be in this sequence?
  3. How does the general formula for the nn-th term change if the common difference is negative?
  4. How can you check if a number, like 500, is part of this sequence?
  5. How would you derive the common difference if only the 1st and 3rd terms are given?

Tip: Always verify the common difference by checking multiple consecutive pairs of terms to ensure the sequence is arithmetic.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequence
Sequences and Series

Formulas

nth term of an arithmetic sequence: a_n = a_1 + (n - 1)d

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10