Math Problem Statement

A sequence can be generated by using gn = 2(gn-1), where g1 = __ 1 3 and n is a whole number greater than 1. What are the first 5 terms of the sequence?

Solution

The given recursive sequence is defined by the formula:

gn=2gn1,whereg1=13g_n = 2 \cdot g_{n-1}, \quad \text{where} \quad g_1 = \frac{1}{3}

This means each term is twice the previous term, and the first term g1=13g_1 = \frac{1}{3}.

Let's calculate the first 5 terms:

  1. g1=13g_1 = \frac{1}{3}
  2. g2=2g1=213=23g_2 = 2 \cdot g_1 = 2 \cdot \frac{1}{3} = \frac{2}{3}
  3. g3=2g2=223=43g_3 = 2 \cdot g_2 = 2 \cdot \frac{2}{3} = \frac{4}{3}
  4. g4=2g3=243=83g_4 = 2 \cdot g_3 = 2 \cdot \frac{4}{3} = \frac{8}{3}
  5. g5=2g4=283=163g_5 = 2 \cdot g_4 = 2 \cdot \frac{8}{3} = \frac{16}{3}

Therefore, the first 5 terms of the sequence are:

13,23,43,83,163\frac{1}{3}, \frac{2}{3}, \frac{4}{3}, \frac{8}{3}, \frac{16}{3}

Would you like further details on this sequence?

5 Related Questions:

  1. How can we find the nn-th term of the sequence without recursion?
  2. What would the 6th and 7th terms be?
  3. How does this sequence behave as nn increases?
  4. Can this type of recursive sequence be expressed as a geometric series?
  5. What is the sum of the first 5 terms of this sequence?

Tip:

In recursive sequences, recognizing patterns early can help simplify further calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences
Recursion
Geometric Progressions

Formulas

gn = 2 * gn-1
g1 = 1/3

Theorems

Recursive definition of sequences

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10