Math Problem Statement

If f, of, 1, equals, 6f(1)=6 and f, of, n, equals, f, of, n, minus, 1, minus, 3f(n)=f(n−1)−3 then find the value of f, of, 5f(5).

Solution

We are given the function f(n)f(n) defined as follows:

f(1)=6f(1) = 6

f(n)=f(n1)3 for n>1f(n) = f(n-1) - 3 \text{ for } n > 1

We need to find the value of f(5)f(5).

Step 1: Calculate f(2)f(2)

f(2)=f(1)3=63=3f(2) = f(1) - 3 = 6 - 3 = 3

Step 2: Calculate f(3)f(3)

f(3)=f(2)3=33=0f(3) = f(2) - 3 = 3 - 3 = 0

Step 3: Calculate f(4)f(4)

f(4)=f(3)3=03=3f(4) = f(3) - 3 = 0 - 3 = -3

Step 4: Calculate f(5)f(5)

f(5)=f(4)3=33=6f(5) = f(4) - 3 = -3 - 3 = -6

Thus, the value of f(5)f(5) is 6\boxed{-6}.

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. What would be the value of f(6)f(6)?
  2. How can you generalize the function f(n)f(n) for any nn?
  3. How would the function change if f(n)=f(n1)kf(n) = f(n-1) - k where kk is a constant?
  4. What if f(1)f(1) was a different value? How would that affect f(5)f(5)?
  5. Can you derive a direct formula for f(n)f(n) without calculating step by step?

Tip: For functions defined recursively, try to identify a pattern or relation to simplify calculations for larger nn.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Recursive Functions
Arithmetic Sequences

Formulas

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

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8