Math Problem Statement

A sequence is defined by the term-to-term rule u_(n+1) = u_n^2 - 3u_n + 1. Given that u_1 = 3, find u_2, u_3, and u_4.

Solution

We are given a recursive sequence defined by the term-to-term rule:

un+1=un23un+1u_{n+1} = u_n^2 - 3u_n + 1

with the initial term u1=3u_1 = 3. Let's solve step-by-step:


a) Find u2u_2:

Using u1=3u_1 = 3:
u2=u123u1+1u_2 = u_1^2 - 3u_1 + 1 Substitute u1=3u_1 = 3:
u2=323(3)+1u_2 = 3^2 - 3(3) + 1 u2=99+1=1u_2 = 9 - 9 + 1 = 1


b) Find u3u_3:

Using u2=1u_2 = 1:
u3=u223u2+1u_3 = u_2^2 - 3u_2 + 1 Substitute u2=1u_2 = 1:
u3=123(1)+1u_3 = 1^2 - 3(1) + 1 u3=13+1=1u_3 = 1 - 3 + 1 = -1


c) Find u4u_4:

Using u3=1u_3 = -1:
u4=u323u3+1u_4 = u_3^2 - 3u_3 + 1 Substitute u3=1u_3 = -1:
u4=(1)23(1)+1u_4 = (-1)^2 - 3(-1) + 1 u4=1+3+1=5u_4 = 1 + 3 + 1 = 5


Final Answers:

a) u2=1u_2 = 1
b) u3=1u_3 = -1
c) u4=5u_4 = 5

Would you like further explanations or have any other questions?


Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What happens to the sequence for larger values of nn?
  2. Can this recursive sequence converge? If so, what would the limit be?
  3. How does changing the initial value u1u_1 affect the sequence?
  4. Can you graph the first few terms of this sequence?
  5. Is it possible to generalize unu_n explicitly without recursion?

Tip: Always verify recursive sequences by substituting back a few terms to check for calculation errors!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Sequences and Series
Recursive Sequences
Quadratic Functions

Formulas

u_(n+1) = u_n^2 - 3u_n + 1

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10