Chapter 5: Problem 8
Solve the recurrence relation \(a_{n}=2 a_{n-1}-a_{n-2}, n \geq 2\) given \(a_{0}=40, a_{1}=37\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution to the recurrence relation is \(a_n = 40 - 3n\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Nature of the Recurrence Relation
The given recurrence relation is a linear homogeneous relation with constant coefficients: \( a_n = 2a_{n-1} - a_{n-2} \). This suggests attention to characteristic polynomials to find the general solution.
02
Formulate the Characteristic Equation
For the relation \( a_n = 2a_{n-1} - a_{n-2} \), we set up the characteristic equation by substituting \(a_n = r^n\): \( r^n = 2r^{n-1} - r^{n-2} \). Dividing through by \(r^{n-2}\) gives \( r^2 = 2r - 1 \).
03
Solve the Characteristic Equation
Rewriting the characteristic equation \( r^2 - 2r + 1 = 0 \), notice it is a perfect square: \((r - 1)^2 = 0\). We have a double root at \(r=1\).
04
Write the General Solution
For a double root \(r=1\), the general solution of the recurrence relation is \( a_n = C_1 \cdot 1^n + C_2 \cdot n \cdot 1^n = C_1 + C_2n \).
05
Apply Initial Conditions
Substitute the initial conditions \(a_0 = 40\) and \(a_1 = 37\) into \(a_n = C_1 + C_2n\):- For \(n = 0\): \(a_0 = C_1 = 40\).- For \(n = 1\): \(a_1 = C_1 + C_2 = 37\).Substitute \(C_1 = 40\) into the second equation: \(40 + C_2 = 37\), so \(C_2 = -3\).
06
Construct the Particular Solution
With \(C_1 = 40\) and \(C_2 = -3\), substitute back into the general form: \( a_n = 40 - 3n \). This is the explicit formula for \(a_n\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Linear Homogeneous Recurrence
A linear homogeneous recurrence relation is a sequence where each term is a linear combination of previous terms. In our example, the relation is represented as \( a_n = 2a_{n-1} - a_{n-2} \). The coefficients of the previous terms (2 and -1) do not depend on \( n \); hence, it is called 'homogeneous'. Linear implies that each term is only multiplied by a constant and not raised to any power beyond the first.
- "Linear" means no term is squared or cubed, just multiplied by coefficients.
- "Homogeneous" means all terms are of the same type, depending only on previous terms.
- No constants are added outside of the coefficients times sequence terms.
Characteristic Equation
To solve a recurrence relation, we often use a characteristic equation. For our sequence, you start by assuming solutions of the form \( a_n = r^n \), leading us to the equation \( r^2 = 2r - 1 \). Solving the characteristic equation helps us find the values of \( r \) that satisfy the recurrence.
- Convert the recurrence equation to characteristic form: \( r^n = 2r^{n-1} - r^{n-2} \).
- Simplify by dividing all terms by \( r^{n-2} \).
- The resulting equation \( r^2 - 2r + 1 = 0 \) is quadratic.
General Solution of Recurrence
The solution to a recurrence relation is generalized with constants that allow it to fit diverse initial conditions. For our root \( r = 1 \) (a double root), the general solution takes the form \( a_n = C_1 + C_2n \), which incorporates the initial values of the sequence through constants \( C_1 \) and \( C_2 \).
- Double roots require modification: \( C_1 + C_2n \).
- This accounts for sequences growth or decline due to multiplying terms by \( n \).
- The general solution should cover possible sequences fitting the recurrence.
Initial Conditions in Recurrence Relations
Initial conditions are specific values that define beginning terms of a sequence. In our case, they are \( a_0 = 40 \) and \( a_1 = 37 \). These values enable us to find constants \( C_1 \) and \( C_2 \) by substituting them into the general solution.
- Starting values anchor the generalized formula to a specific sequence.
- Substitute initial conditions back into the general solution to find constants.
- This transforms a flexible form into a precise formula, like \( a_n = 40 - 3n \).