Math Problem Statement

Determine the common difference (sequence generator) for each arithmetic sequence listed below. Then write an equation for the n-th term in each sequence, keeping in mind that the first term of each sequence is t(1).

Solution

Let's solve the problem step by step.


Task:
For each sequence:

  1. Determine the common difference (sequence generator).
  2. Write the formula for the n-th term in the sequence.

Solution:

(a) 4, 7, 10, 13, ...

  1. Common difference:
    74=37 - 4 = 3, 107=310 - 7 = 3, 1310=313 - 10 = 3.
    The common difference d=3d = 3.

  2. Formula for the n-th term:
    The formula for the n-th term of an arithmetic sequence is:
    t(n)=t(1)+(n1)dt(n) = t(1) + (n-1)d
    Substituting t(1)=4t(1) = 4 and d=3d = 3:
    t(n)=4+(n1)(3)=4+3n3=3n+1t(n) = 4 + (n-1)(3) = 4 + 3n - 3 = 3n + 1


(b) 3, 8, 13, ...

  1. Common difference:
    83=58 - 3 = 5, 138=513 - 8 = 5.
    The common difference d=5d = 5.

  2. Formula for the n-th term:
    Substituting t(1)=3t(1) = 3 and d=5d = 5:
    t(n)=3+(n1)(5)=3+5n5=5n2t(n) = 3 + (n-1)(5) = 3 + 5n - 5 = 5n - 2


(c) 24, 19, 14, ...

  1. Common difference:
    1924=519 - 24 = -5, 1419=514 - 19 = -5.
    The common difference d=5d = -5.

  2. Formula for the n-th term:
    Substituting t(1)=24t(1) = 24 and d=5d = -5:
    t(n)=24+(n1)(5)=245n+5=5n+29t(n) = 24 + (n-1)(-5) = 24 - 5n + 5 = -5n + 29


(d) 7, 9.5, 12, ...

  1. Common difference:
    9.57=2.59.5 - 7 = 2.5, 129.5=2.512 - 9.5 = 2.5.
    The common difference d=2.5d = 2.5.

  2. Formula for the n-th term:
    Substituting t(1)=7t(1) = 7 and d=2.5d = 2.5:
    t(n)=7+(n1)(2.5)=7+2.5n2.5=2.5n+4.5t(n) = 7 + (n-1)(2.5) = 7 + 2.5n - 2.5 = 2.5n + 4.5


Final Answers:

(a) t(n)=3n+1t(n) = 3n + 1
(b) t(n)=5n2t(n) = 5n - 2
(c) t(n)=5n+29t(n) = -5n + 29
(d) t(n)=2.5n+4.5t(n) = 2.5n + 4.5


Would you like more details on any part of this solution?
Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. How do you derive the general formula for an arithmetic sequence?
  2. What are other ways to find the common difference?
  3. Can the common difference be a fraction or decimal?
  4. How do you verify if a sequence is arithmetic?
  5. What happens if the common difference is 0?

Tip: Always double-check the common difference before creating the formula!

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

t(n) = t(1) + (n-1)d

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9