Math Problem Statement

The sequence shown below is defined using a recursion formula. Write the first four terms of the sequence. a Subscript 1equals2 and a Subscript nequalsa Subscript n minus 1plus4 for ngreater than or equals2

Solution

To find the first four terms of the sequence defined by the given recursive formula:

a1=2andan=an1+4for n2,a_1 = 2 \quad \text{and} \quad a_n = a_{n-1} + 4 \quad \text{for } n \geq 2,

we proceed as follows:

Step-by-step solution:

  1. First term: a1=2a_1 = 2

  2. Second term: a2=a1+4=2+4=6a_2 = a_1 + 4 = 2 + 4 = 6

  3. Third term: a3=a2+4=6+4=10a_3 = a_2 + 4 = 6 + 4 = 10

  4. Fourth term: a4=a3+4=10+4=14a_4 = a_3 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14

Final Answer:

The first four terms of the sequence are: 2,6,10,142, 6, 10, 14

Would you like to see a graph of the sequence or details about the recursive growth? Here are five related questions to expand this concept:

  1. How would you generalize this sequence to find any term ana_n without recursion?
  2. What type of sequence is this, and how can you prove it?
  3. Can you calculate the sum of the first nn terms of this sequence?
  4. How does the sequence change if the increment is modified (e.g., to +3+3 instead of +4+4)?
  5. How does this sequence relate to an arithmetic progression in general?

Tip: Always verify recursion formulas by calculating multiple terms to ensure consistency.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences and Series
Recursive Formulas
Arithmetic Sequences

Formulas

Recursive formula: a₁ = 2, aₙ = aₙ₋₁ + 4 for n ≥ 2
Explicit formula for arithmetic sequence: aₙ = a₁ + (n-1)d

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8