Math Problem Statement
Here are the first five terms of a quadratic sequence: -4, -8, -10, -10, -8. Find an expression, in terms of n, for the nth term of the sequence.
Solution
The given quadratic sequence is: We need to find an expression for the -th term, , of the sequence. Since it's a quadratic sequence, we know the formula will be of the form:
Step 1: First and second differences
Start by calculating the first and second differences.
1st differences: So, the first differences are: .
2nd differences:
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Sequences
Quadratic Sequences
Algebra
Formulas
T_n = an^2 + bn + c
First differences
Second differences
Theorems
-
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-11
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