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: 11,5,1,7-11, -5, 1, 7. To find the equation for the nn-th term of the sequence ana_n, we need to determine the common difference dd and the first term a1a_1.

  1. Find the common difference dd:

The common difference is the difference between any two consecutive terms. Let's find dd:

d=5(11)=5+11=6d = -5 - (-11) = -5 + 11 = 6

Thus, the common difference d=6d = 6.

  1. General formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence:

The formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence is given by:

an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n - 1) \cdot d

Where:

  • a1=11a_1 = -11 (the first term)
  • d=6d = 6 (the common difference)
  1. Substitute a1a_1 and dd into the formula:

an=11+(n1)6a_n = -11 + (n - 1) \cdot 6

Simplifying:

an=11+6n6a_n = -11 + 6n - 6

an=6n17a_n = 6n - 17

Thus, the equation for the nn-th term of the arithmetic sequence is:

an=6n17a_n = 6n - 17

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions to further your understanding:

  1. How do you derive the formula for the sum of an arithmetic sequence?
  2. What is the sum of the first 10 terms of this arithmetic sequence?
  3. Can you find the 20th term of this arithmetic sequence using the formula an=6n17a_n = 6n - 17?
  4. What happens to the sequence if the common difference dd is negative?
  5. How does an arithmetic sequence differ from a geometric sequence?

Tip: The common difference dd 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