Chapter 11: Problem 10
List the first five terms of the sequence. $$ a_{1}=6, \quad a_{n+1}=\frac{a_{n}}{n} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The first five terms are 6, 6, 3, 1, and \( \frac{1}{4} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Initial Term
The problem gives the initial term of the sequence as \( a_1 = 6 \). This means the first term in the sequence is 6.
02
Calculate the Second Term
Using the recursive formula \( a_{n+1} = \frac{a_n}{n} \), we find the second term: \( a_2 = \frac{a_1}{1} = \frac{6}{1} = 6 \).
03
Calculate the Third Term
To find the third term, use the formula again: \( a_3 = \frac{a_2}{2} = \frac{6}{2} = 3 \).
04
Calculate the Fourth Term
For the fourth term, apply the formula: \( a_4 = \frac{a_3}{3} = \frac{3}{3} = 1 \).
05
Calculate the Fifth Term
Finally, calculate the fifth term using the formula: \( a_5 = \frac{a_4}{4} = \frac{1}{4} \).
06
Solution
The first five terms of the sequence are: 6, 6, 3, 1, and \( \frac{1}{4} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Recursive Formulas
Recursive formulas play a critical role in defining sequences in calculus. They describe how each term in a sequence is derived from one or more previous terms. In simpler terms, a recursive formula allows you to find the next term in a sequence if you know the preceding terms.
For instance, in the exercise given, the recursive formula is \( a_{n+1} = \frac{a_n}{n} \). This means that to find the term \( a_{n+1} \), you need to divide the previous term \( a_n \) by \( n \). Recursive formulas are helpful because they tell us exactly how to move from one term to the next, simplifying the process of finding subsequent numbers in a sequence.
For instance, in the exercise given, the recursive formula is \( a_{n+1} = \frac{a_n}{n} \). This means that to find the term \( a_{n+1} \), you need to divide the previous term \( a_n \) by \( n \). Recursive formulas are helpful because they tell us exactly how to move from one term to the next, simplifying the process of finding subsequent numbers in a sequence.
Sequence Terms Explained
The terms of a sequence are the individual elements or numbers in a sequence that follow a specific pattern. In calculus, understanding these terms is crucial for solving sequence-related problems.
In our given exercise, the terms are generated using the recursive formula starting from an initial term. The initial term \( a_1 \) is given as 6. Thus:
In our given exercise, the terms are generated using the recursive formula starting from an initial term. The initial term \( a_1 \) is given as 6. Thus:
- The first term \( a_1 = 6 \)
- The second term \( a_2 = \frac{a_1}{1} = 6 \)
- The third term \( a_3 = \frac{a_2}{2} = 3 \)
- The fourth term \( a_4 = \frac{a_3}{3} = 1 \)
- The fifth term \( a_5 = \frac{a_4}{4} = \frac{1}{4} \)
Approaching Calculus Problem Solving
Solving calculus problems involving sequences requires a step-by-step approach to ensure a thorough understanding.
Here’s a simple strategy on how to tackle such problems:
Here’s a simple strategy on how to tackle such problems:
- Identify the initial term: Look for the first term given, as it's the starting point of your sequence.
- Understand the recursive formula: Recognize how each term transitions to the next. This involves understanding how you will use the current term to determine the next one.
- Calculate each term systematically: Begin with the initial term and apply the recursive formula to find the subsequent terms. Make sure to follow this process for each term in the sequence.
- Verify your results: Once you generate the terms using the formula, double-check by recalculating or visualizing the pattern to confirm correctness.