Math Problem Statement

A sequence is defined by f(1) = 27 and f(n) = (1/3)f(n-1) for each whole number n, where n > 1. What are the first four terms of the sequence?

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine the first four terms of the sequence defined by:

  1. f(1)=27f(1) = 27
  2. f(n)=13f(n1)f(n) = \frac{1}{3} f(n-1) for n>1n > 1

Step-by-step solution:

  • Step 1: Start with f(1)=27f(1) = 27.

  • Step 2: Find f(2)f(2): f(2)=13f(1)=13×27=9f(2) = \frac{1}{3} f(1) = \frac{1}{3} \times 27 = 9

  • Step 3: Find f(3)f(3): f(3)=13f(2)=13×9=3f(3) = \frac{1}{3} f(2) = \frac{1}{3} \times 9 = 3

  • Step 4: Find f(4)f(4): f(4)=13f(3)=13×3=1f(4) = \frac{1}{3} f(3) = \frac{1}{3} \times 3 = 1

The first four terms of the sequence are:

27,9,3,127, 9, 3, 1

Correct Answer:

A. 27,9,3,127, 9, 3, 1

Would you like further clarification or details on how recursive sequences are calculated?

Here are 5 related questions you might explore:

  1. How can recursive sequences be graphed for visualization?
  2. What happens if we change the initial value f(1)f(1) to another number?
  3. How does dividing by a constant factor affect the convergence of a sequence?
  4. Can this sequence be expressed in a closed-form formula?
  5. How would the sequence behave if f(n)=12f(n1)f(n) = \frac{1}{2} f(n-1) instead?

Tip: When solving recursive sequences, always compute a few initial terms to identify the pattern!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Recursive Sequences
Arithmetic Operations
Exponential Decay

Formulas

f(1) = 27
f(n) = (1/3)f(n-1)

Theorems

Recursion principle for sequences

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11