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

To find the general term ana_n of the sequence:

The sequence is:
104,1016,1064,10256,101024,\frac{10}{4}, \frac{10}{16}, \frac{10}{64}, \frac{10}{256}, \frac{10}{1024}, \dots

Step 1: Analyze the Denominators

The denominators follow a pattern: 4,16,64,256,1024,4, 16, 64, 256, 1024, \dots These values 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

So, the denominator of the nn-th term is 4n4^n.

Step 2: Write the General Term

Each term in the sequence has the form: an=104na_n = \frac{10}{4^n}

Thus, the general term of the sequence is: an=104na_n = \frac{10}{4^n}

Conclusion:

The general formula for the nn-th term is: an=104na_n = \frac{10}{4^n}


Do you want more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. How would the formula change if the sequence began with 2020 instead of 1010?
  2. Can you find the sum of the infinite series 104n\frac{10}{4^n}?
  3. What would the general term be if the denominators followed powers of 3 instead?
  4. How can you verify that this formula works for any given term of the sequence?
  5. How would the pattern change if the numerators followed a pattern like 10,20,40,10, 20, 40, \dots?

Tip: When recognizing a pattern, always look for powers or multiplicative relationships in both the numerator and denominator.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences and Series
Exponential Patterns

Formulas

General term formula: a_n = 10 / 4^n

Theorems

Exponential Growth in Denominators

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12