Math Problem Statement

Which polynomial sequence shows that the terms of the 2nd differences are constant?

Solution

The question asks to find which polynomial sequence shows constant second differences.

To check this, we calculate the first and second differences of each sequence:

  1. Sequence {0, 4, 16, 34}:

    • First differences: 40=44 - 0 = 4, 164=1216 - 4 = 12, 3416=1834 - 16 = 18
    • Second differences: 124=812 - 4 = 8, 1812=618 - 12 = 6 (not constant)
  2. Sequence {1, 7, 12, 19}:

    • First differences: 71=67 - 1 = 6, 127=512 - 7 = 5, 1912=719 - 12 = 7
    • Second differences: 56=15 - 6 = -1, 75=27 - 5 = 2 (not constant)
  3. Sequence {2, 6, 11, 14}:

    • First differences: 62=46 - 2 = 4, 116=511 - 6 = 5, 1411=314 - 11 = 3
    • Second differences: 54=15 - 4 = 1, 35=23 - 5 = -2 (not constant)
  4. Sequence {-6, -1, 14, 39}:

    • First differences: 1(6)=5-1 - (-6) = 5, 14(1)=1514 - (-1) = 15, 3914=2539 - 14 = 25
    • Second differences: 155=1015 - 5 = 10, 2515=1025 - 15 = 10 (constant)

Thus, the sequence with constant second differences is {-6, -1, 14, 39}.

Do you want further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on:

  1. What are first and second differences in polynomial sequences?
  2. How do constant second differences indicate a quadratic polynomial?
  3. Can a sequence with constant first differences also have constant second differences?
  4. How can higher-order differences (third, fourth, etc.) be used to identify polynomials?
  5. Why does a sequence with constant second differences represent a quadratic function?

Tip: Constant second differences indicate a quadratic relationship in sequences, just like constant first differences indicate a linear one.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial Sequences
Successive Differences
Quadratic Patterns

Formulas

Second differences: Δ² = Δ(Δ(y)) where Δ is the first difference and Δ² is the second difference

Theorems

Sequences with constant second differences represent quadratic functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10