Chapter 10: Problem 4
Each of Exercises \(1-6\) gives a formula for the \(n\) th term \(a_{n}\) of a sequence \(\left\\{a_{n}\right\\} .\) Find the values of \(a_{1}, a_{2}, a_{3},\) and \(a_{4} .\) $$ a_{n}=2+(-1)^{n} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The values are \(a_1=1\), \(a_2=3\), \(a_3=1\), \(a_4=3\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Given Formula
The given formula for the sequence is \( a_n = 2 + (-1)^n \). This formula involves two components: a constant term (2) and an alternating term \((-1)^n\) which dictates the sign change based on whether \(n\) is odd or even.
02
Calculate \(a_1\)
Substitute \(n=1\) into the formula: \(a_1 = 2 + (-1)^1 = 2 - 1 = 1\). Thus, the first term of the sequence is \(a_1 = 1\).
03
Calculate \(a_2\)
Substitute \(n=2\) into the formula: \(a_2 = 2 + (-1)^2 = 2 + 1 = 3\). Therefore, the second term of the sequence is \(a_2 = 3\).
04
Calculate \(a_3\)
Substitute \(n=3\) into the formula: \(a_3 = 2 + (-1)^3 = 2 - 1 = 1\). Hence, the third term of the sequence is \(a_3 = 1\).
05
Calculate \(a_4\)
Substitute \(n=4\) into the formula: \(a_4 = 2 + (-1)^4 = 2 + 1 = 3\). As a result, the fourth term of the sequence is \(a_4 = 3\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Alternating Sequences
An alternating sequence is a type of sequence in which the signs switch between positive and negative as you move from one term to the next. This characteristic creates a pattern of changing values that can make sequences particularly interesting to study. Alternating sequences often involve terms like
- \((-1)^n\) which results in alternating signs between positive and negative depending on whether \(n\) is even or odd.
Term Calculation
Calculating terms in a sequence involves substituting a specific value of \(n\) into the given sequence formula to find the corresponding term. For the sequence given by \(a_n = 2 + (-1)^n\), calculating each term requires a few steps:
- Identify which term of the sequence you need (e.g., \(a_1\), \(a_2\), etc.).
- Substitute this term's position as \(n\) into the formula.
- Simplify the expression to find the value of the term.
Sequence Formula
The sequence formula is the backbone of understanding how a sequence behaves. In mathematics, this formula provides a rule for finding each term of the sequence based on its position (\(n\)). For example, in the sequence formula \(a_n = 2 + (-1)^n\):
- The formula defines each term \(a_n\) of the sequence based on \(n\).
- It's composed of a constant term, which here is 2, providing a baseline value.
- It includes an alternating term \((-1)^n\) that changes the sign of 1, depending on whether \(n\) is even or odd.
Sign Change in Sequences
Sign change in sequences, particularly alternating sequences, plays a fundamental role in their structure and properties. This change occurs due to terms like \((-1)^n\), reflecting mathematical rules governed by the parity of \(n\):
- If \(n\) is even, the term \((-1)^n\) maintains a positive sign, adding to the constant in the formula.
- If \(n\) is odd, \((-1)^n\) results in a negative one, therefore subtracting from the constant in the formula.