Math Problem Statement

Give the nth terms of the following: 1.) -5, 15, 35, 55, ... 2.) 4, -1, -6, -11, ...

Solution

Let's find the nnth term for both sequences:

1) Sequence: 5,15,35,55,-5, 15, 35, 55, \dots

This is an arithmetic sequence where the difference between consecutive terms is constant.

Step 1: Identify the first term (a1a_1) and the common difference (dd).

  • a1=5a_1 = -5
  • d=15(5)=20d = 15 - (-5) = 20

Step 2: Use the formula for the nnth term of an arithmetic sequence: an=a1+(n1)×da_n = a_1 + (n-1) \times d

Step 3: Plug in the values: an=5+(n1)×20=20n25a_n = -5 + (n-1) \times 20 = 20n - 25

Answer: The nnth term for the first sequence is 20n25\boxed{20n - 25}.

2) Sequence: 4,1,6,11,4, -1, -6, -11, \dots

This is also an arithmetic sequence.

Step 1: Identify the first term (a1a_1) and the common difference (dd).

  • a1=4a_1 = 4
  • d=14=5d = -1 - 4 = -5

Step 2: Use the formula for the nnth term of an arithmetic sequence: an=a1+(n1)×da_n = a_1 + (n-1) \times d

Step 3: Plug in the values: an=4+(n1)×(5)=45n+5=5n+9a_n = 4 + (n-1) \times (-5) = 4 - 5n + 5 = -5n + 9

Answer: The nnth term for the second sequence is 5n+9\boxed{-5n + 9}.

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Related Questions:

  1. How do you determine if a sequence is arithmetic or geometric?
  2. Can you find the sum of the first nn terms in an arithmetic sequence?
  3. How would the formula change if the sequence was geometric?
  4. What if the common difference dd was a fraction?
  5. How would you find the nnth term if the sequence had a common ratio instead of a difference?

Tip: Remember that the common difference in an arithmetic sequence can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the sequence's progression.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences

Formulas

Arithmetic sequence nth term formula

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9