13.3.2 What is the 50th term of the sequence

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the 50th term of an arithmetic sequence, given that the 3rd and 4th terms are 13 and 18, respectively. Participants explore the properties of arithmetic sequences, including the common difference and the formula for the nth term.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims the common difference is 5, leading to a calculation of the 50th term as 250.
  • Another participant questions the first term and the general formula for the nth term of the sequence.
  • A later reply asserts that the general term should be expressed as "a + (n-1)r" rather than "nr," and calculates the 50th term as 248, challenging the previous claim of 250.
  • There is acknowledgment that the initial post's interpretation may be incorrect, as the arithmetic sequence's properties are clarified.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the calculation of the 50th term, with one asserting it is 250 and another arguing it is 248 based on different interpretations of the sequence's formula.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the first term of the sequence and the assumptions made regarding the formula used for the nth term.

karush
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The 3rd and 4th terms of an arithmetic sequence are 13 and 18. respectively.
What is the 50th term of the sequence!
a, 248 b. 250 c. 253 d, 258 e, 763

b the common difference is 5 so $5\cdot 50=\boxed{250}$

basically these are easy but I still seem to miss the goal posts
 
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Okay, so d = 5. What is the first term in the series? What is the equation to get the nth term of the series?

-Dan
 
Since this has been here a while and, as topsquark implied, Karush's answer is wrong:
An "arithmetic sequence" has the form a, a+ r, a+ 2r, a+ 3r, a+ 4r ..., with "common difference" between two successive terms r. The general term is "a+ (n-1)r", NOT "nr".

Here two successive terms are 13 and 18 so the "common difference" is 18- 13= 5 as Karush said. But 13= 3+ 2(5) and 18= 3+ 3(5) so the general term is $a_n= 3+ (n-1)5$ and the 50th term is 3+ 49(5)= 248, not 250.
 
Mahalo
yeah that post kinda got left hanging
i never found these essy
 

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