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: 4,8,10,10,8-4, -8, -10, -10, -8 We need to find an expression for the nn-th term, TnT_n, of the sequence. Since it's a quadratic sequence, we know the formula will be of the form: Tn=an2+bn+cT_n = an^2 + bn + c

Step 1: First and second differences

Start by calculating the first and second differences.

1st differences: 8(4)=4,10(8)=2,10(10)=0,8(10)=2-8 - (-4) = -4, \quad -10 - (-8) = -2, \quad -10 - (-10) = 0, \quad -8 - (-10) = 2 So, the first differences are: 4,2,0,2-4, -2, 0, 2.

2nd differences: 2(4)=2,0(2)=2,20=2-2 - (-4) = 2, \quad 0 - (-2) = 2, \quad 2 - 0 = 2

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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

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11