Math Problem Statement
Examine the sequence.
4, 8, 16, 32, ...
Which function represents the sequence?
f(n)=4n; n=1, 2, 3, −−−−−
f(n)=4n−1; n=1, 2, 3, −−−−−
f(n)=4(2n); n=1, 2, 3, −−−−−
f(n)=4(2n−1); n=1, 2, 3, −−−−−
Solution
To identify which function represents the given sequence , let's analyze the pattern:
Each term in the sequence is obtained by multiplying the previous term by 2. This indicates an exponential growth with a base of 2.
- The first term .
- The second term .
- The third term .
- The fourth term .
This sequence can be described as , where represents the position in the sequence.
Now, let's match this with the options:
-
: This represents a linear function, but our sequence is not linear. It grows exponentially, not linearly, so this is incorrect.
-
: This is still a linear function with a subtraction, which doesn't match the exponential growth of the sequence, so this is incorrect.
-
: This represents an exponential function, but it starts from when , which is not correct for the first term of the sequence. This is incorrect.
-
: This function starts with , which matches the first term of the sequence. When , , and so on. This correctly represents the sequence.
Therefore, the correct function is:
Would you like further details or clarifications? Here are 5 related questions:
- How would the function change if the first term of the sequence was 5 instead of 4?
- Can you describe the difference between linear and exponential growth in sequences?
- How would you generalize a function for sequences of powers of 3?
- How can this sequence be represented recursively instead of with an explicit function?
- What happens to the function if we start from a different index, say ?
Tip: When solving sequence problems, always check the nature of the growth—whether it's linear, quadratic, or exponential—to narrow down the correct formula.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Exponential Sequences
Functions
Algebra
Formulas
f(n) = 4(2^(n-1))
Theorems
Exponential Growth
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 8-10