Math Problem Statement

What is the nth term in the sequence 10,12,17,19?

Solution

To find the nth term in the sequence 10,12,17,1910, 12, 17, 19, let's analyze the pattern.

  1. Identify the differences between consecutive terms:
    • 1210=212 - 10 = 2
    • 1712=517 - 12 = 5
    • 1917=219 - 17 = 2

Thus, the differences alternate: 2,5,22, 5, 2.

  1. Observe the pattern: The differences alternate between 22 and 55.

So, the next difference after 1919 should be 55, and then 22 again.

Generalizing the nth term:

Let's consider the sequence in blocks of two terms, where:

  • For odd-indexed terms, the difference is +2+2.
  • For even-indexed terms, the difference is +5+5.

We can express the nn-th term depending on whether nn is even or odd:

  • For odd nn, the term is increasing by 2 from the previous odd term.
  • For even nn, the term is increasing by 5 from the previous even term.

Formula for the nth term:

Let's divide the sequence into two cases:

  1. For odd nn (first, third, fifth terms, etc.): an=10+7×(n12)a_n = 10 + 7 \times \left(\frac{n-1}{2}\right)

  2. For even nn (second, fourth, sixth terms, etc.): an=12+7×(n22)a_n = 12 + 7 \times \left(\frac{n-2}{2}\right)

This captures the alternating pattern of differences.

Would you like more detailed steps on deriving this formula or have any questions?

Related questions:

  1. What is the 10th term of this sequence?
  2. How do we derive the general formula for arithmetic and alternating sequences?
  3. What is the sum of the first 15 terms of this sequence?
  4. Can we express this sequence using a recursive formula?
  5. How does this sequence compare to standard arithmetic progressions?

Tip:

For sequences with alternating differences, look for patterns in how the differences change between terms to help identify the general term.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Alternating Differences
Patterns

Formulas

For odd n: a_n = 10 + 7 * ((n - 1) / 2)
For even n: a_n = 12 + 7 * ((n - 2) / 2)

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Theorem
Pattern Recognition

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8