Math Problem Statement

Write an explicit formula for the n-th term of the arithmetic sequence: 4, 9, 14, 19, ...

Solution

To determine the explicit formula for the nn-th term ana_n of this arithmetic sequence, let's analyze the given sequence:

The sequence is: 4,9,14,19,4, 9, 14, 19, \dots

Step 1: Identify the first term and the common difference

  1. First term (a1a_1): The first term is 44.
  2. Common difference (dd): To find the common difference, subtract the first term from the second term: d=94=5d = 9 - 4 = 5

Step 2: Write the formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence

The general formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence is: an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n - 1)d where a1a_1 is the first term, dd is the common difference, and nn is the term position.

Step 3: Substitute the values

For this sequence:

  • a1=4a_1 = 4
  • d=5d = 5

Thus, the formula becomes: an=4+(n1)5a_n = 4 + (n - 1) \cdot 5

Step 4: Simplify the formula

Expanding this expression: an=4+5n5=5n1a_n = 4 + 5n - 5 = 5n - 1

Final Answer

The explicit formula for the nn-th term ana_n of the sequence is: an=5n1a_n = 5n - 1

Would you like further details, or do you have any questions?

Here are five related questions that may help you explore arithmetic sequences further:

  1. How do you find the sum of the first nn terms in an arithmetic sequence?
  2. What are the properties that differentiate arithmetic sequences from geometric sequences?
  3. How do you determine if a given sequence is arithmetic?
  4. Can you derive the formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence given any two terms?
  5. How does the formula change if the common difference is negative?

Tip: For any arithmetic sequence, the common difference can be quickly found by subtracting any term from the following term.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Arithmetic Sequences

Formulas

General formula for the n-th term of an arithmetic sequence: a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) * d

Theorems

Arithmetic sequence formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9