Math Problem Statement

Write an expression to describe the sequence below. Use n to represent the position of a term in the sequence, where n = 1 for the first term.

–64, –128, –192, –256, ...

an =

Solution

To find the expression for the given sequence, we need to identify its pattern.

The sequence is:

64,128,192,256,-64, -128, -192, -256, \dots

Step 1: Identify the common difference

To recognize the pattern, we look at the difference between consecutive terms:

128(64)=64-128 - (-64) = -64 192(128)=64-192 - (-128) = -64 256(192)=64-256 - (-192) = -64

Since the common difference between consecutive terms is constant (64-64), this is an arithmetic sequence.

Step 2: General formula for an arithmetic sequence

The general formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence is:

an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n - 1) \cdot d

Where:

  • a1a_1 is the first term (which is 64-64),
  • dd is the common difference (which is 64-64).

Step 3: Substitute the values into the formula

Substitute a1=64a_1 = -64 and d=64d = -64 into the formula:

an=64+(n1)(64)a_n = -64 + (n - 1) \cdot (-64)

Simplify the expression:

an=64+(64n+64)a_n = -64 + (-64n + 64)

an=64na_n = -64n

Thus, the expression for the nn-th term of the sequence is:

an=64na_n = -64n

Would you like a more detailed explanation or have any questions about this? Here's some further exploration:

  1. How to identify the first term and common difference in arithmetic sequences.
  2. Can this formula apply to geometric sequences as well?
  3. How can we find the sum of the first nn terms of this sequence?
  4. What happens if the common difference is positive instead of negative?
  5. What is the 10th term in this sequence?

Tip: Always check the common difference or ratio in a sequence first, as it helps quickly determine if the sequence is arithmetic or geometric.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Algebra

Formulas

a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) * d

Theorems

Arithmetic sequence formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8