MHB Graeme's YAnswers Question: The effect of changing values in sequences?

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Changing the initial value \(u_{0}\) in the sequence defined by \(u_{n+1}=2u_{n}+2\) significantly affects the entire sequence. The expanded form reveals that \(u_{n}\) can be expressed as \(u_{n} = 2^n u_{0} + 2^{n+1} - 2\), indicating a direct relationship between \(u_{0}\) and the terms of the sequence. As \(u_{0}\) varies, particularly with high negative values, the sequence's behavior flips, demonstrating a shift in its overall trend. The sequence's dependence on \(u_{0}\) can be analyzed further through mathematical induction or generating functions. Understanding this relationship is crucial for solving related mathematical problems.
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The effect of changing values in sequences??

I have been given a maths assignment and have been given equations \(u_{n+1}=2u_{n}+2\) and asked what is the effect if the value \(u_{0}\) is changed? I used multiple values both positive and negative and have only noticed taht when it is a high negative number it flips up side down?

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Look at what happens as you expand the sequence:

\(u_{1} = 2 u_{0}+2\)
\(u_{2} = 2( 2 u_{0}+2 ) + 2 =2^2 u_{0} + 2^2 + 2\)
\(u_{3} = 2( 2^2 u_{0} + 2^2 + 2 ) + 2 = 2^3 u_{0} + 2^3 + 2^2 + 2\)
:
:
\(u_{n} = 2^n u_{0} + 2^n + 2^{n-1} + ... + 2^2 + 2\)

The earlier terms in the sequence above suggest the last one, which can be easily proven by induction.

The last term can now be simplified to:

\(u_{n} = 2^n u_{0} + 2^{n+1} - 2\)

So you now have all the information you need to answer questions about how the sequence depends on \(u_{0}\).
 
An alternative would be generating functions (which I'm quite fond of). (Inlove)
 
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