Math Problem Statement

Find a formula for the general term a^n of the sequence assuming the pattern of the first few terms continues. [10/4, 10/16, 10/64, 10/256, 10/1024]

Solution

The sequence you provided is:

a1=104,a2=1016,a3=1064,a4=10256,a5=101024a_1 = \frac{10}{4}, \quad a_2 = \frac{10}{16}, \quad a_3 = \frac{10}{64}, \quad a_4 = \frac{10}{256}, \quad a_5 = \frac{10}{1024}

We notice that the denominators follow a pattern:

4,16,64,256,10244, 16, 64, 256, 1024

These are powers of 4: 4=41,16=42,64=43,256=44,1024=454 = 4^1, \quad 16 = 4^2, \quad 64 = 4^3, \quad 256 = 4^4, \quad 1024 = 4^5

Thus, the general term for the denominator is 4n4^n.

The numerators are consistently 10.

Thus, the general term ana_n for the sequence can be expressed as:

an=104na_n = \frac{10}{4^n}

This formula applies for all terms in the sequence.

Would you like more details or have any further questions? Here are 5 related questions that might expand your understanding:

  1. How do powers of numbers behave in different types of sequences?
  2. Can you derive the formula for geometric sequences?
  3. What are common differences and ratios in arithmetic and geometric sequences?
  4. How can you find the sum of an infinite geometric series?
  5. How does the growth rate of this sequence compare to an exponential sequence?

Tip: When analyzing sequences, identifying patterns in the numerators and denominators separately can help in deriving a formula!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences and Series
Geometric Sequences
Exponentiation

Formulas

a_n = 10 / 4^n

Theorems

Geometric Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11