What is the 40th term of this arithmetic sequence?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the 40th term of an arithmetic sequence defined by a general term formula and an initial term. The arithmetic sequence is characterized by a constant difference between consecutive terms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the formula for the nth term of the arithmetic sequence, with one suggesting a specific calculation for the 40th term. Others express uncertainty about the correctness of the calculations and discuss the context of their math classes.

Discussion Status

There are multiple interpretations of the arithmetic sequence problem, with some participants offering calculations and others questioning the results. The discussion includes expressions of support and shared experiences related to studying for exams.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention their respective math classes and the timing of their finals, indicating a shared academic pressure. There is a sense of camaraderie in navigating similar coursework.

Poweranimals
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Since I'm studying for my final exam, I'm going to make you guys suffer. Any help would be appreciated in this. Here's the first one...

Find the 40th term of the arithmetic knowing the general term a(n) = a(n-1) + 4 and first term a1 = 13.
 
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What class is this?

(we just started that stuff in BC calculus :-p )
 
College Math 2.
 
If I am reading this right, isn't a(40) = a(1) + 39 * 4 = 13 +156 = 169?

or more generally, a(n) = a(1) + (n-1)*4
 
Last edited:
That looks like it might be right. My friend said it was 159, but I think you've got it right.
 
edit: nvm, being stupid.
 
I agree with Astronuc. Good luck studying with those finals. You have them so early? My physics 2/Linear Alg. finals are on my birthday in about 25 days :(
 
Okay, so here's another one:

A vector v has initial point P = (5, 2) and terminal point Q = (-3, -2). Find its position vector and write v in the form ai + bj.
 
So vector to P is 5i + 2j and the vector to Q is -3i-2j, so take the difference.

or what vector added to the vector to P would give you the one to Q.
 
  • #10
So would the final answer be 2i + 0j, which would be technically just 2i?
 
  • #11
5i + xi = -3i
2j + yj = -2j
 
  • #12
So is xi = -8 and xj = -4?
 
  • #13
Yes, in the form ai + bj, a=-8, b=-4 or v = -8i -4j.
 
  • #14
Okay, here's another...

What are the coordinates for graphing the equation y = sin 6 Ø by plotting points?
 
  • #15
Any help would be tremendously appreciated.
 
  • #16
Poweranimals said:
Since I'm studying for my final exam, I'm going to make you guys suffer. Any help would be appreciated in this. Here's the first one...

Find the 40th term of the arithmetic knowing the general term a(n) = a(n-1) + 4 and first term a1 = 13.

I wish I was taking your math class. That sounds like grade 11 math.

Sigh.
 
  • #17
Poweranimals said:
Okay, here's another...

What are the coordinates for graphing the equation y = sin 6 Ø by plotting points?


wouldn't you just take the points for the graph y=sinx and increase the 'x' coordinates by a factor of 6?
 
  • #18
cAm said:
wouldn't you just take the points for the graph y=sinx and increase the 'x' coordinates by a factor of 6?
Yeah, you're right. But I'm stiff baffled as to what coordinates are y=sinx.
 
  • #19
cAm said:
wouldn't you just take the points for the graph y=sinx and increase the 'x' coordinates by a factor of 6?

If I understand the equation correctly, the equation would be shrunk horizontally by a factor of 6. Either the question wants a graph of [tex]sin(6\Theta)[/tex] or maybe the critical points where the graph crosses the x axis. Don't you just love semantics?
 
  • #20
I hate math. :p
 

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