Math Problem Statement

write an explicit rule and a recursive rule for a1=-3, r=5. Then write the next two terms and find the 15th term.

Solution

Given a1=3a_1 = -3 and r=5r = 5, this is a geometric sequence where each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by the common ratio rr.

Explicit Rule:

The explicit rule for a geometric sequence is: an=a1rn1a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{n-1} Substitute a1=3a_1 = -3 and r=5r = 5: an=35n1a_n = -3 \cdot 5^{n-1}

Recursive Rule:

The recursive rule is: a1=3a_1 = -3 an=5an1for n>1a_{n} = 5 \cdot a_{n-1} \quad \text{for } n > 1

Next Two Terms:

Using the explicit rule an=35n1a_n = -3 \cdot 5^{n-1}:

  • a2=3521=35=15a_2 = -3 \cdot 5^{2-1} = -3 \cdot 5 = -15
  • a3=3531=325=75a_3 = -3 \cdot 5^{3-1} = -3 \cdot 25 = -75

Thus, the next two terms are: a2=15,a3=75a_2 = -15, \quad a_3 = -75

Find the 15th Term:

Using the explicit rule: a15=35151=3514a_{15} = -3 \cdot 5^{15-1} = -3 \cdot 5^{14} Calculate 5145^{14} and multiply by 3-3: a15=36103515625=18310546875a_{15} = -3 \cdot 6103515625 = -18310546875

Final Answer:

  • Explicit Rule: an=35n1a_n = -3 \cdot 5^{n-1}
  • Recursive Rule: a1=3,  an=5an1a_1 = -3, \; a_n = 5 \cdot a_{n-1}
  • Next Two Terms: a2=15,  a3=75a_2 = -15, \; a_3 = -75
  • 15th Term: a15=18310546875a_{15} = -18310546875

Do you want further explanations or examples? Here are five related questions for exploration:

  1. What is the sum of the first 15 terms in this geometric sequence?
  2. How would the explicit formula change if r=5r = -5?
  3. How can you graph this geometric sequence on a coordinate plane?
  4. What is the ratio between consecutive terms in this sequence, and why is it constant?
  5. How does changing a1a_1 affect the sequence's behavior?

Tip: To quickly find large terms in a geometric sequence, use logarithms to simplify calculations for powers.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences and Series
Geometric Sequences

Formulas

Explicit rule for geometric sequences: an = a1 * r^(n-1)
Recursive rule for geometric sequences: a1 = value, an = r * a(n-1)

Theorems

Properties of Geometric Sequences

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10