Math Problem Statement

Determine the type and formula for the sequences: 6, 18, 54, ... and 18, 22, 26, ...

Solution

Let's analyze the given sequences and determine if they are arithmetic or geometric, and then find their nn-th term formulas:


Sequence (a): 6,18,54,6, 18, 54, \dots

  • Type: To check if the sequence is geometric, divide consecutive terms: 186=3,5418=3\frac{18}{6} = 3, \quad \frac{54}{18} = 3 The common ratio (rr) is 33. Thus, this is a geometric sequence.

  • Formula: The formula for a geometric sequence is: an=a1rn1a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{n-1} Here, a1=6a_1 = 6 and r=3r = 3. Therefore: an=63n1a_n = 6 \cdot 3^{n-1}


Sequence (b): 18,22,26,18, 22, 26, \dots

  • Type: To check if the sequence is arithmetic, subtract consecutive terms: 2218=4,2622=422 - 18 = 4, \quad 26 - 22 = 4 The common difference (dd) is 44. Thus, this is an arithmetic sequence.

  • Formula: The formula for an arithmetic sequence is: an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1)d Here, a1=18a_1 = 18 and d=4d = 4. Therefore: an=18+(n1)4a_n = 18 + (n-1) \cdot 4 Simplify: an=4n+14a_n = 4n + 14


Final Answer:

  1. Sequence (a):

    • Type: Geometric
    • Formula: an=63n1a_n = 6 \cdot 3^{n-1}
  2. Sequence (b):

    • Type: Arithmetic
    • Formula: an=4n+14a_n = 4n + 14

Would you like further clarification or details on these formulas?

Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do you generalize the formula for a geometric sequence if the common ratio is negative?
  2. What happens to an arithmetic sequence when the common difference is 00?
  3. How can you identify whether a sequence is neither arithmetic nor geometric?
  4. Can a sequence be both arithmetic and geometric simultaneously? Why or why not?
  5. What is the sum of the first nn terms for an arithmetic sequence?

Tip: Always verify a few terms of the sequence using your formula to ensure correctness!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Arithmetic Sequences
Geometric Sequences

Formulas

Geometric sequence formula: a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)
Arithmetic sequence formula: a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d

Theorems

Geometric Sequence Theorem
Arithmetic Sequence Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9