Math Problem Statement

  1. Finding the General Term, show the process (a) Write the general term (nth term) for the following sequences: • (i) 4, 9, 14, 19, ... • (ii) 25, 20, 15, 10, ...

Solution

To find the general term (nth term) of a sequence, we follow these steps:

  1. Identify the pattern – Determine if the sequence is arithmetic, geometric, or another type.

  2. Find the first term (a1a_1).

  3. Determine the common difference (dd) – This applies to arithmetic sequences.

  4. Use the formula for the nth term of an arithmetic sequence:

    an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1) d


Solution for (i): 4,9,14,19,...4, 9, 14, 19, ...

  1. First term (a1a_1) = 4

  2. Common difference (dd) = 94=59 - 4 = 5

  3. Use the formula:

    an=4+(n1)5a_n = 4 + (n - 1) \cdot 5

  4. Simplify:

    an=4+5n5a_n = 4 + 5n - 5

    an=5n1a_n = 5n - 1

General term: an=5n1a_n = 5n - 1


Solution for (ii): 25,20,15,10,...25, 20, 15, 10, ...

  1. First term (a1a_1) = 25

  2. Common difference (dd) = 2025=520 - 25 = -5

  3. Use the formula:

    an=25+(n1)(5)a_n = 25 + (n - 1) (-5)

  4. Simplify:

    an=255n+5a_n = 25 - 5n + 5

    an=5n+30a_n = -5n + 30

General term: an=5n+30a_n = -5n + 30


Final Answers:

(i) an=5n1a_n = 5n - 1
(ii) an=5n+30a_n = -5n + 30

Would you like a step-by-step verification with examples?


Related Questions:

  1. How do you derive the formula for an arithmetic sequence?
  2. What is the general term for a geometric sequence?
  3. Can you explain the difference between arithmetic and geometric sequences?
  4. How do you find the sum of the first nn terms of an arithmetic sequence?
  5. What happens if the common difference is zero?

Tip:

To check your general term, substitute n=1,2,3,n = 1, 2, 3, etc., and see if you get the original sequence!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Algebra

Formulas

General term of arithmetic sequence: a_n = a_1 + (n-1) d

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8