Math Problem Statement

Given the recurrence relation a_n = (2a_{n-1} - 1) / a_{n-1} and a_1 = 2, find a_4.

Solution

The given problem asks to find a4a_4 from a recurrence relation:

an=2an11an1a_n = \frac{2a_{n-1} - 1}{a_{n-1}} with the initial condition a1=2a_1 = 2.

Let's calculate a2a_2, a3a_3, and a4a_4 step by step:

Step 1: Calculate a2a_2

Substitute a1=2a_1 = 2 into the recurrence relation: a2=2a11a1=2(2)12=412=32a_2 = \frac{2a_1 - 1}{a_1} = \frac{2(2) - 1}{2} = \frac{4 - 1}{2} = \frac{3}{2}

Step 2: Calculate a3a_3

Now, substitute a2=32a_2 = \frac{3}{2} into the recurrence relation: a3=2a21a2=2(32)132=3132=232=2×23=43a_3 = \frac{2a_2 - 1}{a_2} = \frac{2\left(\frac{3}{2}\right) - 1}{\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{3 - 1}{\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{2}{\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{2 \times 2}{3} = \frac{4}{3}

Step 3: Calculate a4a_4

Substitute a3=43a_3 = \frac{4}{3} into the recurrence relation: a4=2a31a3=2(43)143=83143=833343=5343=54a_4 = \frac{2a_3 - 1}{a_3} = \frac{2\left(\frac{4}{3}\right) - 1}{\frac{4}{3}} = \frac{\frac{8}{3} - 1}{\frac{4}{3}} = \frac{\frac{8}{3} - \frac{3}{3}}{\frac{4}{3}} = \frac{\frac{5}{3}}{\frac{4}{3}} = \frac{5}{4}

Thus, the value of a4a_4 is:

a4=54a_4 = \frac{5}{4}

Would you like more details on any of these steps, or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. What is the general formula for a recurrence relation?
  2. How can you find the explicit formula for a recurrence relation like this one?
  3. Can we solve this recurrence relation using generating functions?
  4. What happens to the sequence ana_n as nn \to \infty?
  5. How can this recurrence relation be related to linear recurrence relations?

Tip: When working with recurrence relations, always carefully check the initial conditions—they are essential for building the sequence!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Recurrence Relations
Algebra
Sequences

Formulas

a_n = (2a_{n-1} - 1) / a_{n-1}

Theorems

Recurrence Relations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12