Math Problem Statement

Mrs. Cobble wrote the sequences as shown on the board. Which of the following statements is NOT true?

Solution

Let's analyze the problem to determine which statement is NOT true based on the sequences provided:

Sequence A:

  • a1=5a_1 = 5
  • an=an1+20a_n = a_{n-1} + 20

This is an arithmetic sequence because the next term is obtained by adding 20 to the previous term. The common difference dd is 20.

The general form of an arithmetic sequence is: an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1) \cdot d Substituting the values for a1=5a_1 = 5 and d=20d = 20: an=5+(n1)20=20n15a_n = 5 + (n-1) \cdot 20 = 20n - 15

Sequence B:

  • a1=7a_1 = 7
  • an=5an1a_n = 5a_{n-1}

This is a geometric sequence because each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by 5. The common ratio rr is 5.

The general form of a geometric sequence is: an=a1rn1a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{n-1} Substituting the values for a1=7a_1 = 7 and r=5r = 5: an=75n1a_n = 7 \cdot 5^{n-1}

Let's now review the given statements:

  1. "Sequence B can be represented by an=75n1a_n = 7 \cdot 5^{n-1}"
    This is true, as shown in the formula above for a geometric sequence.

  2. "The common ratio of sequence B is 5."
    This is also true, as the common ratio in a geometric sequence is 5.

  3. "The common difference of sequence A is 20."
    True, since Sequence A is arithmetic with a common difference of 20.

  4. "Sequence A can be represented by a(n)=20n+5a(n) = 20n + 5"
    This is NOT true. The correct formula for Sequence A is an=20n15a_n = 20n - 15, not 20n+520n + 5.

Conclusion:

The incorrect statement is the last one:

  • "Sequence A can be represented by a(n)=20n+5a(n) = 20n + 5".

Would you like further details or have any questions about this explanation? Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How can you derive the general form of an arithmetic sequence?
  2. What makes a sequence geometric versus arithmetic?
  3. Can a sequence be both arithmetic and geometric?
  4. What are some real-life applications of geometric sequences?
  5. How would you solve for a specific term in either sequence?

Tip: Always double-check whether a sequence is arithmetic or geometric before applying formulas.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Geometric Sequences

Formulas

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

Theorems

Arithmetic sequences involve a constant common difference.
Geometric sequences involve a constant common ratio.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10