Chapter 9: Problem 139
Write the first five terms of the sequence. $$a_{n}=\frac{(-1)^{n} x^{n}}{n !}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The first five terms of the sequence are: \(a_1 = -x\), \(a_2 = \frac{x^2}{2}\), \(a_3 = -\frac{x^3}{6}\), \(a_4 = \frac{x^4}{24}\), \(a_5 = -\frac{x^5}{120}\)
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the formula
Here, \(a_n\) represents the nth term of the sequence. \(n\) stands for the position of the term in the sequence (like 1st term, 2nd term, etc.). The formula is \(a_{n}=\frac{(-1)^{n} x^{n}}{n !}\). It means, to find any term in the sequence, one has to substitute \(n\) with the position of the term in the sequence.
02
Applying the formula for n=1
Substitute \(n\) with 1 (to find the first term) in the formula: \(a_{1}=\frac{(-1)^{1} x^{1}}{1 !} = -x\)
03
Applying the formula for n=2
Substitute \(n\) with 2 (to find the second term) in the formula: \(a_{2}=\frac{(-1)^{2} x^{2}}{2 !} = \frac{x^2}{2}\)
04
Applying the formula for n=3
Substitute \(n\) with 3 (to find the third term) in the formula: \(a_{3}=\frac{(-1)^{3} x^{3}}{3 !} = -\frac{x^3}{6}\)
05
Applying the formula for n=4
Substitute \(n\) with 4 (to find the fourth term) in the formula: \(a_{4}=\frac{(-1)^{4} x^{4}}{4 !} = \frac{x^4}{24}\)
06
Applying the formula for n=5
Substitute \(n\) with 5 (to find the fifth term) in the formula: \(a_{5}=\frac{(-1)^{5} x^{5}}{5 !} = -\frac{x^5}{120}\)
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Factorial
A factorial, represented by the symbol "!", is a fundamental concept in mathematics that arises in sequences, permutations, and various formulas. To compute the factorial of a non-negative integer \( n \), you multiply all the integers from 1 up to \( n \). Thus, \( n! = n \times (n-1) \times (n-2) \times \ldots \times 2 \times 1 \). This can be seen as a decorative way of stacking numbers. Here are some helpful pointers about factorials:
- \( 0! = 1 \) by definition, which is an important starting point for many formulas.
- Factorials grow very quickly; for example, \( 5! = 120 \) and \( 10! = 3,628,800 \).
- Factorials are used extensively in combinatorics, calculus, and mathematical sequences, such as in our sequence formula \( a_n = \frac{(-1)^n x^n}{n!} \).
Alternating Sequence
An alternating sequence is a type of sequence where the terms change signs in a regular pattern of positives and negatives. This pattern is commonly signified by the term \((-1)^n\) in a formula. Depending on \( n \), this ensures that some terms are positive and others are negative. Here’s why this concept is important:
- The expression \((-1)^n\) results in alternating signs. If \( n \) is even, the result is \( +1 \); if \( n \) is odd, the result is \( -1 \).
- Such sequences frequently appear in mathematical series because alternating signs help in convergence properties and balancing.
- In our sequence, \( a_n = \frac{(-1)^n x^n}{n!} \), the alternation visually affects the calculated terms like \(-x\), \(\frac{x^2}{2}\), \(-\frac{x^3}{6}\), making the sequence more dynamic in behavior.
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions are mathematical statements comprising numbers, variables, and operators, like \(+ - \times \div \). They form the foundation of algebra and describe relationships between variables. In the sequence formula \( a_n = \frac{(-1)^n x^n}{n!} \), the expression is algebraic due to the variables and operations involved. Here's what to remember about them:
- Variables, like \( x \), represent unknown or changeable values, critical when generalizing formulas.
- Operations follow order precedence, meaning one must carefully consider parentheticals and the sequence of calculations (e.g., exponents before division).
- Algebraic expressions can simplify complex problems, allowing us to express intricate relationships clearly and concisely.