Math Problem Statement

The number of cars sold weekly by a new automobile dealership grows according to a linear growth model. The first week the dealership sold two cars (P0 = 2). The second week the dealership sold seven cars (P1 = 7). Write the recursive formula for the number of cars sold, PN, in the (N+1)th week. Write the explicit formula for the number of cars sold, PN, in the (N+1)th week. If this trend continues, how many cars will be sold in the sixth week?

Solution

To solve the given problem, let’s break it into its components:

  1. Recursive Formula: The problem indicates the dealership sold 2 cars in week 0 (P0=2P_0 = 2) and 7 cars in week 1 (P1=7P_1 = 7). The growth is linear. To find the recursive formula, calculate the weekly growth rate:

    Growth Rate=P1P0=72=5\text{Growth Rate} = P_1 - P_0 = 7 - 2 = 5

    The recursive formula is: PN=PN1+5P_N = P_{N-1} + 5

  2. Explicit Formula: The explicit formula uses the initial value (P0P_0) and the growth rate to directly find PNP_N for any NN:

    PN=P0+5NP_N = P_0 + 5N Substituting P0=2P_0 = 2: PN=2+5NP_N = 2 + 5N

  3. Number of Cars in the Sixth Week: Using the explicit formula (PN=2+5NP_N = 2 + 5N), substitute N=6N = 6:

    P6=2+5(6)=2+30=32P_6 = 2 + 5(6) = 2 + 30 = 32

Final Answers:

  1. Recursive Formula: PN=PN1+5P_N = P_{N-1} + 5
  2. Explicit Formula: PN=2+5NP_N = 2 + 5N
  3. Cars in Sixth Week: 3232

Would you like a further explanation of the steps? Here are five follow-up questions for you to explore:

  1. How can you verify the growth rate in a recursive model?
  2. What are the differences between recursive and explicit formulas?
  3. How do linear models differ from exponential models in real-world scenarios?
  4. Could this trend continue indefinitely in reality? Why or why not?
  5. What happens to PNP_N as NN \to \infty?

Tip: When working with recursive formulas, always confirm the growth rate consistency with given data.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Growth Models
Sequences and Series

Formulas

Recursive Formula: P_N = P_(N-1) + d
Explicit Formula: P_N = P_0 + d * N

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10