Chapter 15: Problem 13
In Exercises \(12-15\), write the first 5 terms of the sequence \(a_{n}=f(n)\) $$ f(t)=3 t-1 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The first 5 terms of the sequence are 2, 5, 8, 11, and 14.
Step by step solution
01
Function of the sequence given
For this exercise, we are given the function \(f(t) = 3t - 1\) which determines the terms of the sequence.
02
Finding the first term (n=1)
When substituting \(n=1\) into the function, we get:
$$
a_1 = f(1) = 3(1) - 1
$$
Calculating the result, we find the first term:
$$
a_1 = 2
$$
03
Finding the second term (n=2)
Now, substituting \(n=2\) into the function, we have:
$$
a_2 = f(2) = 3(2) - 1
$$
Calculating the result, we find the second term:
$$
a_2 = 5
$$
04
Finding the third term (n=3)
We continue substituting \(n=3\) into the function:
$$
a_3 = f(3) = 3(3) - 1
$$
Calculating the result, we find the third term:
$$
a_3 = 8
$$
05
Finding the fourth term (n=4)
Next, we substitute \(n=4\) into the function:
$$
a_4 = f(4) = 3(4) - 1
$$
Calculating the result, we find the fourth term:
$$
a_4 = 11
$$
06
Finding the fifth term (n=5)
Finally, we substitute \(n=5\) into the function:
$$
a_5 = f(5) = 3(5) - 1
$$
Calculating the result, we find the fifth term:
$$
a_5 = 14
$$
07
Writing down the first 5 terms
Based on our calculations, the first 5 terms of the sequence are:
$$
a_1 = 2, a_2 = 5, a_3 = 8, a_4 = 11, a_5 = 14
$$
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Linear Function
Linear functions are mathematical expressions that create a straight line when graphed. In simple terms, they have the form \( f(t) = mt + c \), where \( m \) represents the slope and \( c \) is the y-intercept. In our exercise, the function is \( f(t) = 3t - 1 \). This tells us several things:
- The slope \( m \) is 3, meaning the sequence increases by 3 with each step.
- The y-intercept \( c \) is -1, which is the starting point adjustment of the sequence on the y-axis.
Sequence Terms Calculation
Calculating the terms of a sequence involves systematically substituting values into the function for each term's position, known as \( n \). In the current problem, we are asked to find the first five terms for \( f(t) = 3t - 1 \). Here's how it works:
- First Term: For \( n=1 \), substitute 1 into the function: \( a_1 = 3(1) - 1 = 2 \).
- Second Term: For \( n=2 \), substitute 2: \( a_2 = 3(2) - 1 = 5 \).
- Third Term: Continue with \( n=3 \): \( a_3 = 3(3) - 1 = 8 \).
- Fourth Term: Substitute for \( n=4 \): \( a_4 = 3(4) - 1 = 11 \).
- Fifth Term: Finally, for \( n=5 \): \( a_5 = 3(5) - 1 = 14 \).
Mathematical Substitution
Astutely substituting values into equations is a foundational concept in mathematics. It involves placing a set value into a function to solve for another variable. In the sequence calculation, the function \( f(t) = 3t - 1 \) illustrates this elegantly:
- Each term in the sequence \( a_n \) is represented by substituting \( n \) for \( t \) in the function.
- This straightforward process requires settling input values one step at a time to yield outputs.
- Our careful substitution turned \( f(t) \) into values like \( f(1) \), \( f(2) \), and so on, thus calculating the sequence terms effectively.