Chapter 9: Problem 14
Find the specified term of the arithmetic sequence that has the two given terms. $$a_{11} ; a_{1}=2+\sqrt{2}, a_{2}=3$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The 11th term is \( 12 - 9\sqrt{2} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Arithmetic Sequence Formula
The general formula for finding the nth term of an arithmetic sequence is \( a_n = a_1 + (n-1) \cdot d \), where \( a_1 \) is the first term and \( d \) is the common difference.
02
Find the Common Difference
Use the first two terms to find the common difference \( d \). \[ d = a_2 - a_1 = 3 - (2 + \sqrt{2}) = 1 - \sqrt{2} \].
03
Use the Common Difference to Find the Specified Term
Given that \( a_{11} \) is needed, plug in the values: \[ a_{11} = 2 + \sqrt{2} + (11-1) \cdot (1 - \sqrt{2}) \]Calculate it step-by-step: \( a_{11} = 2 + \sqrt{2} + 10 \cdot (1 - \sqrt{2}) \).Simplifying further gives: \( a_{11} = 2 + \sqrt{2} + 10 - 10\sqrt{2} \).
04
Simplify the Expression
Combine like terms: \( a_{11} = 12 - 9\sqrt{2} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Difference
In an arithmetic sequence, a key idea to grasp is the 'common difference'. This is the consistent gap between consecutive terms.
Let's say you have a sequence starting with the first term, known as \( a_1 \), followed by the second term \( a_2 \). To find the common difference \( d \), you simply subtract the first term from the second:
Let's say you have a sequence starting with the first term, known as \( a_1 \), followed by the second term \( a_2 \). To find the common difference \( d \), you simply subtract the first term from the second:
- \( d = a_2 - a_1 \)
- \( d = 3 - (2 + \sqrt{2}) = 1 - \sqrt{2} \)
nth Term Formula
When exploring arithmetic sequences, one formula you will frequently use is the nth term formula. This formula gives you any term's value within a sequence without needing to list all prior terms.
This formula is expressed as:
By using this structure, you can directly plug in values to find specific terms, such as how to find \( a_{11} \) using \( a_1 = 2 + \sqrt{2} \) and \( d = 1 - \sqrt{2} \).
This formula is expressed as:
- \( a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) \cdot d \)
By using this structure, you can directly plug in values to find specific terms, such as how to find \( a_{11} \) using \( a_1 = 2 + \sqrt{2} \) and \( d = 1 - \sqrt{2} \).
Sequence Term Calculation
Calculating a specific term within an arithmetic sequence relies on the nth term formula. In our specific example, we're looking to discover the 11th term, \( a_{11} \).
Using the nth term formula:
Using the nth term formula:
- \( a_{11} = a_1 + (11 - 1) \cdot d \)
- \( a_{11} = 2 + \sqrt{2} + 10 \cdot (1 - \sqrt{2}) \)
Simplifying Expressions
Once you've used the formula to find a sequence term, the next step is simplifying the expression. This helps make the result more understandable.
In the example we've been reviewing:
In the example we've been reviewing:
- \( a_{11} = 2 + \sqrt{2} + 10 - 10\sqrt{2} \)
- Constants: \( 2 + 10 = 12 \)
- Radicals: \( \sqrt{2} - 10\sqrt{2} = -9\sqrt{2} \)
- \( a_{11} = 12 - 9\sqrt{2} \)