Math Problem Statement

How many terms are in arithmetic sequence whose 1st term is -3, common difference is 2. and the last term is 23?

Solution

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

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

Where:

  • ana_n is the last term,
  • a1a_1 is the first term,
  • dd is the common difference, and
  • nn is the number of terms.

We are given:

  • a1=3a_1 = -3 (first term),
  • d=2d = 2 (common difference),
  • an=23a_n = 23 (last term).

Substitute these values into the formula to find nn:

23=3+(n1)223 = -3 + (n - 1) \cdot 2

Now solve for nn:

23+3=(n1)223 + 3 = (n - 1) \cdot 2 26=(n1)226 = (n - 1) \cdot 2 n1=262=13n - 1 = \frac{26}{2} = 13 n=13+1=14n = 13 + 1 = 14

So, there are 14 terms in the sequence.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. What is the sum of all the terms in this arithmetic sequence?
  2. How would the number of terms change if the last term were 25?
  3. Can you determine the 7th term of this arithmetic sequence?
  4. What if the common difference was -2 instead of 2?
  5. How do you calculate the common difference if only the first and last terms and number of terms are known?

Tip: In arithmetic sequences, the number of terms can be easily found by rearranging the general term formula!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Algebra

Formulas

nth term formula of an arithmetic sequence: an = a1 + (n - 1) * d

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8