Math Problem Statement

List the first five terms of the sequence where a_1 = 12 and a_(n+1) = a_n / n.

Solution

To solve this sequence problem, let's analyze the terms one by one using the recursive formula:

Given:

  • a1=12a_1 = 12
  • an+1=anna_{n+1} = \frac{a_n}{n}

We will calculate each term from a2a_2 to a5a_5 by applying the formula iteratively.

  1. a1=12a_1 = 12 (already given)

  2. a2=a11=121=12a_2 = \frac{a_1}{1} = \frac{12}{1} = 12

  3. a3=a22=122=6a_3 = \frac{a_2}{2} = \frac{12}{2} = 6

  4. a4=a33=63=2a_4 = \frac{a_3}{3} = \frac{6}{3} = 2

  5. a5=a44=24=0.5a_5 = \frac{a_4}{4} = \frac{2}{4} = 0.5

Answer:

The first five terms of the sequence are:

  • a1=12a_1 = 12
  • a2=12a_2 = 12
  • a3=6a_3 = 6
  • a4=2a_4 = 2
  • a5=0.5a_5 = 0.5

Would you like further explanation or have any questions?


Follow-up Questions:

  1. What would be the sixth term, a6a_6, in this sequence?
  2. How does the term ana_n change as nn increases in this recursive sequence?
  3. Can you derive a general formula for the nn-th term based on this sequence rule?
  4. How would the sequence differ if the initial value a1a_1 was a different number?
  5. What are some practical applications of recursive sequences in mathematics?

Tip: Recursive sequences are often easier to calculate when you take each step slowly and check each intermediate result.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Recursion

Formulas

a_(n+1) = a_n / n

Theorems

Recursive Sequence Definition

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12