Math Problem Statement

Find a formula for the general term of the sequence assuming the pattern of the first few terms continues and the first term is a₁: {2/3, 2/9, 2/27, 2/81, 2/243, ...}.

Solution

To solve this problem, we will analyze the given sequence and determine its general term.

Given Sequence:

23,29,227,281,2243,\frac{2}{3}, \frac{2}{9}, \frac{2}{27}, \frac{2}{81}, \frac{2}{243}, \dots

Step 1: Observe the pattern of denominators

The denominators are: 3,9,27,81,243,3, 9, 27, 81, 243, \dots These are powers of 3: 3=31,9=32,27=33,81=34,243=35,3 = 3^1, \quad 9 = 3^2, \quad 27 = 3^3, \quad 81 = 3^4, \quad 243 = 3^5, \dots So, the denominator of the nn-th term is 3n3^n.

Step 2: Observe the pattern of numerators

The numerator in every term is 22. Thus, the numerator is constant.

Step 3: General formula

The general term ana_n is a fraction: an=numeratordenominator=23n.a_n = \frac{\text{numerator}}{\text{denominator}} = \frac{2}{3^n}.

Alternatively, this can be written as: an=2(13)n.a_n = 2 \cdot \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^n.

Step 4: Adjust for the given first term

In the given sequence, a1=23a_1 = \frac{2}{3}, and this corresponds to n=1n=1. Hence, we rewrite the formula as: an=2(13)n1.a_n = 2 \cdot \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^{n-1}.

Final Answer:

The general term is: an=2(13)n1.a_n = 2 \cdot \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^{n-1}.

This matches the third option in the provided choices.


Do you want further clarification or a breakdown of the steps? Let me know!

Here are five related questions to explore further:

  1. How can you test if a formula is correct for a sequence?
  2. How would the formula change if the numerator was n2n^2 instead of 2?
  3. What is the sum of the first kk terms of this sequence?
  4. How does the formula for a geometric sequence generalize?
  5. What happens if the sequence starts with a different first term?

Tip: Always confirm the pattern by substituting the first few terms into your formula!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Geometric Sequences

Formulas

General term of a geometric sequence: aₙ = a₁ * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12