Find the first five terms of sequence

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the first five terms of a sequence defined by a recurrence relation. The sequence is specified with an initial term and a formula for subsequent terms, focusing on the application of the recurrence relation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to find the first five terms of the sequence defined by a1=7 and an=an-1 – 4 for n>=2.
  • Another participant suggests plugging in numbers to compute the terms, demonstrating the calculation for a2 as a2 = a1 - 4 = 3.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of using parentheses in the notation for clarity.
  • Additional comments acknowledge the use of LaTeX as an alternative for clearer expression.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of calculating the terms, but there is no formal consensus on the notation preferences.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of notation clarity and the need for parentheses, indicating potential ambiguity in the original expression.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning about sequences and recurrence relations, particularly in a homework context.

vaastav
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How can we find the first five terms of sequence given below?

a1=7; an=an-1 – 4, n>=2
 
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By pluggin in numbers...

a_1 = 7

a_n = a_(n - 1) - 4, n >= 2 (you really need to use parantheses here).

To find a_2, let n = 2. Then we have:

a_2 = a_(2 - 1) - 4 = a_1 - 4 = 7 - 4 = 3.

You use the same technique to find the rest of the numbers.
 
Thanx

Thanx
 
Originally posted by Muzza
(you really need to use parantheses here).

Or Latex
 
Yeah, I guess that works too. ;)
 

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