Math Problem Statement

write the recursive formula for the function sequence below -1, -5, -25, -125

Solution

To determine the recursive formula for the sequence 1,5,25,125-1, -5, -25, -125, observe the pattern of multiplication between consecutive terms:

Steps:

  1. The first term is a1=1a_1 = -1.
  2. Each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by 5-5.

Recursive Formula:

an=an1(5),for n2a_n = a_{n-1} \cdot (-5), \quad \text{for } n \geq 2

Complete Specification:

a1=1,an=an1(5) for n2a_1 = -1, \quad a_n = a_{n-1} \cdot (-5) \text{ for } n \geq 2

This defines the sequence recursively.


Do you want further details or have any questions? Here are five related questions:

  1. How do you write an explicit formula for this sequence?
  2. What is the nn-th term of this sequence explicitly?
  3. How do you derive recursive formulas for more complex sequences?
  4. Can this sequence be represented as a geometric progression?
  5. What is the sum of the first nn terms of this sequence?

Tip: Always check the ratio or difference between terms to identify whether a sequence is arithmetic, geometric, or neither!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Geometric Progressions
Recursive Functions

Formulas

Recursive formula: a_n = a_{n-1} * r
Explicit formula for a geometric sequence: a_n = a_1 * r^(n-1)

Theorems

Geometric Sequence Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10