Math Problem Statement
the first four terms of an artihmetic sequence are -11,-5,1,7 what is the equation an ?
Solution
The first four terms of the arithmetic sequence are given as: . To find the equation for the -th term of the sequence , we need to determine the common difference and the first term .
- Find the common difference :
The common difference is the difference between any two consecutive terms. Let's find :
Thus, the common difference .
- General formula for the -th term of an arithmetic sequence:
The formula for the -th term of an arithmetic sequence is given by:
Where:
- (the first term)
- (the common difference)
- Substitute and into the formula:
Simplifying:
Thus, the equation for the -th term of the arithmetic sequence is:
Would you like more details or have any questions?
Here are 5 related questions to further your understanding:
- How do you derive the formula for the sum of an arithmetic sequence?
- What is the sum of the first 10 terms of this arithmetic sequence?
- Can you find the 20th term of this arithmetic sequence using the formula ?
- What happens to the sequence if the common difference is negative?
- How does an arithmetic sequence differ from a geometric sequence?
Tip: The common difference is always the same in an arithmetic sequence, no matter which two consecutive terms you choose!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Arithmetic Sequences
Algebra
Formulas
General term of an arithmetic sequence: a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) * d
Theorems
Arithmetic sequence formula
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 7-9