Calculating Terms of Sequence: a1,a2,a3,a4

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the terms of a sequence defined by the recurrence relation an+1=0.4an+330 with an initial value of a0=550. Participants explore the correctness of their calculations for the first four terms of the sequence.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims to consistently calculate a1, a2, a3, and a4 as 550 and questions the correctness of this result.
  • Another participant confirms the calculation by showing the steps: multiplying 550 by 0.4 and adding 330 results in 550, suggesting the calculation is correct.
  • A participant expresses doubt about the simplicity of the result, indicating it seems too easy for a calculus problem.
  • A more technical response provides a derivation of the closed form of the sequence, concluding that all terms are indeed 550, based on the characteristic roots of the associated homogeneous recursion.
  • Another participant reiterates the initial question about the correctness of obtaining 550 for all terms and references a tutorial on difference equations to support their reasoning about the fixed point of the function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present competing views on the calculation of the sequence terms. While some affirm that the result of 550 is correct, others express uncertainty about the implications of the simplicity of the result and explore the mathematical reasoning behind it.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to mathematical derivations and fixed points, but does not resolve the underlying assumptions or implications of the calculations presented.

Logan Land
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write the terms a1,a2,a3,a4 of the following sequence. an+1=0.4an+330, a0=550

everytime I get 550 for a1 a2 a3 and a4
is that correct or am I doing it wrong.
 
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550 * 0.4 = 220

220 + 330 = 550

Pretty clear. Why do you doubt?
 
It just seemed to easy for Calculus that's all.

Thanks
 
If we write the inhomogeneous recursions:

$$a_{n+1}=0.4a_{n}+330$$

$$a_{n+2}=0.4a_{n+1}+330$$

We find the homogenous recursion via differencing:

$$a_{n+2}=1.4a_{n+1}-0.4a_{n}$$

whose associated characteristic roots are:

$$r=\frac{2}{5},\,1$$

and hence the closed form is:

$$A_n=k_1+k_2\left(\frac{2}{5} \right)^n$$

Now, using:

$$A_0=A_1=550$$, we may determine:

$$k_1=550,\,k_2=0$$ and so:

$$A_n=550$$
 
LLand314 said:
write the terms a1,a2,a3,a4 of the following sequence. an+1=0.4an+330, a0=550

everytime I get 550 for a1 a2 a3 and a4
is that correct or am I doing it wrong.

Using the procedure described in...

http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f15/difference-equation-tutorial-draft-part-i-426/

... the difference equation can be written as...

$\displaystyle \Delta_{n}= a_{n+1}-a_{n} = 330 - .6\ a_{n} = f(a_{n})$ (1)

... and the function f(*) is represented here...

http://www.123homepage.it/u/i68681865._szw380h285_.jpg.jfif
There is only one attractive fixed point in x=550 and, because the linearity of f(*) the stable point is met at the first step...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

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