Math Problem Statement

Write a Pattern rule that uses algebra to describe each pattern

Solution

To write a pattern rule using algebra, we can observe how the numbers in each sequence change from one term to the next. In general, we look for the relationship between the term position (often represented by nn) and the value of the term.

Since I can't directly see the details of your image, I'll provide a step-by-step method to create an algebraic rule for any number pattern:

Steps to Find an Algebraic Pattern Rule:

  1. Identify the Pattern Type: Check if the sequence is arithmetic (adding/subtracting a fixed number) or geometric (multiplying/dividing by a fixed number). If neither, look for other relationships.

  2. Define the Term Position: Assign each term a position nn (starting with 1, 2, 3, ...).

  3. Find the Difference or Ratio: If it's an arithmetic sequence, find the difference between terms (common difference dd). If it's geometric, find the ratio.

  4. Create a Formula:

    • For an Arithmetic Sequence: Use an=a1+(n1)×da_n = a_1 + (n - 1) \times d, where ana_n is the nn-th term, a1a_1 is the first term, and dd is the common difference.
    • For a Geometric Sequence: Use an=a1×r(n1)a_n = a_1 \times r^{(n - 1)}, where rr is the common ratio.
  5. Test and Refine the Formula: Substitute values to ensure the formula matches all terms.

Example:

If your sequence is 2, 5, 8, 11,...

  1. Pattern Type: Arithmetic (each term increases by 3).
  2. Difference: Common difference d=3d = 3.
  3. Formula: Since the first term a1=2a_1 = 2, use an=2+(n1)×3a_n = 2 + (n - 1) \times 3.
  4. Simplify: an=3n1a_n = 3n - 1.

So, the algebraic rule for this pattern is an=3n1a_n = 3n - 1.

If you'd like, upload the image with the pattern details, and I can help create the specific rule based on that information. Let me know if you want further details or examples!


Additional Questions for Practice:

  1. What is the algebraic rule for a sequence with terms 4, 7, 10, 13,...?
  2. How do you derive an algebraic rule for a geometric sequence with terms 3, 6, 12,...?
  3. How can you modify an algebraic pattern rule if the sequence starts from a different number?
  4. How would you write the rule for an alternating pattern (like 2, -2, 2, -2,...)?
  5. What is the algebraic formula for a sequence defined by a quadratic pattern?

Tip:

For patterns that don’t fit linear or geometric types, consider if they follow a quadratic form, where the rule might involve n2n^2 or higher powers.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Sequences
Arithmetic Sequences
Geometric Sequences

Formulas

a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) * d
a_n = a_1 * r^(n - 1)

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Theorem
Geometric Sequence Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8