Math Problem Statement

Find the number of terms in the following arithmetic sequences: 41, 37, 33,...,-79 and 9, 15, 21,...,219

Solution

The image shows a problem that asks to find the number of terms in two arithmetic sequences. Let's break down each sequence and solve it step by step.

Sequence 1: 41,37,33,,7941, 37, 33, \dots, -79

This is an arithmetic sequence where the first term a1=41a_1 = 41 and the common difference dd can be found by subtracting the second term from the first: d=3741=4d = 37 - 41 = -4 We are asked to find the number of terms nn in the sequence where the last term an=79a_n = -79.

The formula for the nnth term of an arithmetic sequence is: an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1) \cdot d Substituting the known values: 79=41+(n1)(4)-79 = 41 + (n-1) \cdot (-4) Simplify and solve for nn: 79=414(n1)-79 = 41 - 4(n-1) 79=414n+4-79 = 41 - 4n + 4 79=454n-79 = 45 - 4n 124=4n-124 = -4n n=1244=31n = \frac{124}{4} = 31 So, the number of terms in the first sequence is 31\boxed{31}.

Sequence 2: 9,15,21,,2199, 15, 21, \dots, 219

This is another arithmetic sequence where the first term a1=9a_1 = 9 and the common difference dd is: d=159=6d = 15 - 9 = 6 We are asked to find the number of terms nn where the last term an=219a_n = 219.

Again, use the formula for the nnth term: 219=9+(n1)6219 = 9 + (n-1) \cdot 6 Simplify and solve for nn: 219=9+6(n1)219 = 9 + 6(n-1) 219=9+6n6219 = 9 + 6n - 6 219=3+6n219 = 3 + 6n 216=6n216 = 6n n=2166=36n = \frac{216}{6} = 36 So, the number of terms in the second sequence is 36\boxed{36}.

Summary:

  • The number of terms in the first sequence is 3131.
  • The number of terms in the second sequence is 3636.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How would the calculation change if the common difference were positive?
  2. How do you derive the general formula for the nnth term of an arithmetic sequence?
  3. What would happen if the last term of the sequence was not explicitly provided?
  4. Can you find the sum of all terms in each sequence?
  5. How would you approach finding the number of terms in a geometric sequence?

Tip: When solving arithmetic sequence problems, always ensure you correctly identify the common difference and apply the formula consistently to avoid errors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Algebra

Formulas

nth term of an arithmetic sequence: a_n = a_1 + (n-1) * d

Theorems

Arithmetic progression formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11