Chapter 10: Problem 6
Write the first four terms of each sequence. Assume \(n\) starts at 1. $$a_{n}=\frac{(n+1)}{n}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The first four terms are 2, \( \frac{3}{2} \), \( \frac{4}{3} \), and \( \frac{5}{4} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the formula
The sequence is given by the formula \( a_n = \frac{n+1}{n} \). We'll use this formula to find the terms of the sequence by substituting different values of \( n \).
02
Calculate the first term
Substitute \( n = 1 \) into the given formula.\[ a_1 = \frac{1+1}{1} = \frac{2}{1} = 2 \]So, the first term \( a_1 \) is 2.
03
Calculate the second term
Substitute \( n = 2 \) into the formula.\[ a_2 = \frac{2+1}{2} = \frac{3}{2} \]Therefore, the second term \( a_2 \) is \( \frac{3}{2} \).
04
Calculate the third term
Substitute \( n = 3 \) into the formula.\[ a_3 = \frac{3+1}{3} = \frac{4}{3} \]Thus, the third term \( a_3 \) is \( \frac{4}{3} \).
05
Calculate the fourth term
Substitute \( n = 4 \) into the formula.\[ a_4 = \frac{4+1}{4} = \frac{5}{4} \]Hence, the fourth term \( a_4 \) is \( \frac{5}{4} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Terms of a Sequence
In mathematics, a sequence is an ordered list of numbers where each number is called a term. Sequences can be arithmetic, geometric, or follow any general pattern defined by a rule.
To understand and solve problems involving sequences, especially as they appear in math homework or exams, becoming familiar with terms is crucial. Let's dive into what the terms mean:
To understand and solve problems involving sequences, especially as they appear in math homework or exams, becoming familiar with terms is crucial. Let's dive into what the terms mean:
- The position of a term in a sequence is often represented by a variable, commonly denoted as \( n \).
- In the sequence formula provided in this exercise, like \( a_n = \frac{n+1}{n} \), each \( a_n \) is a specific term corresponding to a particular position \( n \).
- The task often involves finding the first few terms, which means identifying the values for the positions starting from \( n = 1 \).
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a key technique used to find terms of a sequence. It's straightforward—substitute different specific values into an expression or equation. This method helps in discovering the values of the sequence step by step. Here's how you can apply it to sequences:
- Take the given sequence formula, such as \( a_n = \frac{n+1}{n} \).
- Pick a value for \( n \), starting typically with 1, since sequences often start from the first term.
- Replace \( n \) in your formula with that number. For example, substituting \( n = 1 \) would give \( a_1 = \frac{1+1}{1} \), which simplifies to 2.
- Repeat this process for the next few integers (i.e., \( n = 2, 3, 4\), etc.).
Sequence Formula
The sequence formula is the backbone of many sequence problems in mathematics. It defines the pattern of progression that allows us to calculate any term in a sequence. Essentially, it's like a recipe for the terms. Here's what you should know:
- A sequence formula expresses the rule for the sequence, providing a general description of how terms are formed.
- In many standard exercises, you're given a formula, such as \( a_n = \frac{n+1}{n} \), which generates each number in the list from a specific \( n \) value.
- This formula often involves operations on \( n \), and each operation plays a critical part in forming each term.