Math Problem Statement

u4=-4 and u15=29

Solution

To determine the values of the terms u4=4u_4 = -4 and u15=29u_{15} = 29, we can analyze this as an arithmetic sequence, where the difference between consecutive terms is constant. Here are the steps:

  1. Identify Known Terms:

    • We know u4=4u_4 = -4.
    • We know u15=29u_{15} = 29.
  2. General Form of an Arithmetic Sequence:

    • In an arithmetic sequence, each term can be represented as: un=u1+(n1)du_n = u_1 + (n - 1)d where:
      • u1u_1 is the first term,
      • dd is the common difference,
      • nn is the term number.
  3. Setting Up Equations:

    • For u4u_4: u4=u1+(41)d=4u_4 = u_1 + (4 - 1)d = -4
    • For u15u_{15}: u15=u1+(151)d=29u_{15} = u_1 + (15 - 1)d = 29
  4. Solving the System of Equations:

    • Expanding both equations: u1+3d=4u_1 + 3d = -4 u1+14d=29u_1 + 14d = 29
    • Subtract the first equation from the second to eliminate u1u_1: (u1+14d)(u1+3d)=29(4)(u_1 + 14d) - (u_1 + 3d) = 29 - (-4) 11d=3311d = 33 d=3d = 3
  5. Finding u1u_1:

    • Substitute d=3d = 3 into the first equation: u1+3(3)=4u_1 + 3(3) = -4 u1+9=4u_1 + 9 = -4 u1=13u_1 = -13
  6. Summary of Results:

    • The first term u1=13u_1 = -13.
    • The common difference d=3d = 3.

The sequence can now be defined by: un=13+(n1)3u_n = -13 + (n - 1) \cdot 3

Would you like further details on this process or to verify specific terms in the sequence?


Here are five questions you might explore next:

  1. What is the 10th term of this sequence?
  2. How many terms are needed for the sequence to reach a value above 50?
  3. What is the sum of the first 15 terms?
  4. If the sequence continues, what would be the 100th term?
  5. Can this sequence be graphed, and what would its pattern look like?

Tip: In arithmetic sequences, each term increases (or decreases) by a constant value, making them easy to analyze with simple formulas.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Algebra

Formulas

Arithmetic sequence formula: u_n = u_1 + (n - 1)d

Theorems

System of linear equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10