Math Problem Statement

Write an explicit formula for a, start subscript, n, end subscriptan​, the n, start superscript, th, end superscriptnthterm of the sequence 2, comma, minus, 2, comma, minus, 6, comma, point, point, .2,−2,−6,....

Solution

The given sequence is:
2,2,6,2, -2, -6, \dots

To find an explicit formula for the nn-th term, observe the following pattern in the sequence:

  1. The sequence starts with 22, followed by 2-2, 6-6, and so on.
  2. The terms alternate in sign.
  3. The absolute values of the terms are increasing by 4 each time: 2,2+4=6,6+4=102, 2+4 = 6, 6+4 = 10, etc.

Step 1: Identify the general form

We can express the absolute value of the sequence's nn-th term as a linear relationship:

an=2+(n1)4|a_n| = 2 + (n-1) \cdot 4

This simplifies to:

an=4n2|a_n| = 4n - 2

Step 2: Account for alternating signs

The signs alternate in the pattern +,,,+,+, -, -, +, \dots. The alternating signs can be expressed using (1)n+1(-1)^{n+1}. Therefore, the full formula for the nn-th term of the sequence is:

an=(1)n+1(4n2)a_n = (-1)^{n+1} \cdot (4n - 2)

Final Formula:

The explicit formula for the nn-th term is:

an=(1)n+1(4n2)a_n = (-1)^{n+1} \cdot (4n - 2)

Would you like any further explanation on how this formula was derived, or any additional examples?


Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What is the 55-th term of the sequence using the formula an=(1)n+1(4n2)a_n = (-1)^{n+1}(4n-2)?
  2. How can you determine if a sequence is arithmetic or geometric based on its terms?
  3. What role does the alternating sign play in sequences, and how can it be recognized?
  4. Can you derive the explicit formula for a similar sequence: 3,3,9,3, -3, -9, \dots?
  5. What changes in the formula if the sequence alternates in a different pattern, such as +,+,,,+,+,+, +, -, -, +, +, -?

Tip: Always look for patterns in both the signs and the magnitude of terms when analyzing a sequence. This helps in forming a general term formula efficiently.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Arithmetic Progressions
Alternating Signs

Formulas

an = (-1)^(n+1) * (4n - 2)

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11