What is the error in this linear recurrence sequence?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying an error in a linear recurrence sequence presented by a participant. The sequence includes the terms 3, -1.5, 0.75, and -375, and participants are analyzing the relationships between these terms to determine the correct approach to the recurrence relation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a recurrence relation and attempts to derive the next term, concluding with -0.375 instead of -375.
  • Another participant questions the formulation of the second equation, suggesting it should involve the common ratio in a different way.
  • A later reply acknowledges a typo in the equations but does not clarify the overall correctness of the derived terms.
  • Some participants assert that the sequence is a geometric progression with a common ratio of -0.5, leading to confusion about the last term.
  • There is a misunderstanding regarding the expected answer, with participants debating whether the correct term should be -0.375 or -375.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the last term of the sequence, with some asserting it should be -0.375 while others maintain it is -375. The discussion remains unresolved as to the correct interpretation of the sequence.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of the sequence's terms and the equations used, which may affect the understanding of the recurrence relation. The discussion reflects uncertainty in the derivation of terms and the definitions used in the context of the sequence.

Casio1
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I have a linear recurrence sequence,

3, -1.5, 0.75, -375

x = a

a = 3

x2, = -1.5, x3, = 0.75, x4 = -375...

x2 = rx1+d
x3 = rx2+d

-1.5 = 3r + d
0.75 = -1.5 + d

-1.5 - 0.75 = (3r + d) - (-1.5 + d)

r = - 0.5

Sub in equation (2)

d = -1.5 - 3r = -1.5 - 3(-0.5)
d = 0

x4 = -0.5 x 0.75 + 0 = -0.375

Answer should be = -375

Anyone see where I am going wrong!

P.S. I will practice the new form latex here as soon as I can.
 
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Casio said:
-1.5 = 3r + d
0.75 = -1.5 + d

Anyone see where I am going wrong!

Shouldn't that 2nd equation be 0.75 = -1.5r + d ?
 
Alexmahone said:
Shouldn't that 2nd equation be 0.75 = -1.5r + d ?

Thank you for that, typo error on my part, the result there = 0.75

But that is not helping me see where I am making a mistake?
 
Casio said:
Thank you for that, typo error on my part, the result there = 0.75

But that is not helping me see where I am making a mistake?

So your sequence is a geometric progression with a=3 and r=-0.5. So I guess your answer of -0.375 is correct.
 
Last edited:
Alexmahone said:
So your sequence is a geometric progression with a=3 and r=-0.5. So I guess your answer of 0.375 is correct.

It seems my misunderstanding here is the answer = -0.375

I thought the answer should have been -375

These solutions are not the same?
 
Hello, Casio!

I have a linear recurrence sequence: .$$$3,\;\text{-}1.5,\;0.75,\;\text{-}375$ .??
There is NO WAY that the sequence is: .$3,\;-1\!\!\frac{1}{2},\;\frac{3}{4},\;\color{red}{-375}\;\cdots $

. . That last term must be -0.375 . . .

We have a geometric sequence with first term $a = 3$ and common ratio $ r = -0.5$

The recurrence is: .$a_{n+1} \:=\:-0.5a_n$
 
soroban said:
Hello, Casio!


There is NO WAY that the sequence is: .$3,\;-1\!\!\frac{1}{2},\;\frac{3}{4},\;\color{red}{-375}\;\cdots $

. . That last term must be -0.375 . . .

We have a geometric sequence with first term $a = 3$ and common ratio $ r = -0.5$

The recurrence is: .$a_{n+1} \:=\:-0.5a_n$

Very sorry, you are right I copied the sequence incorrectly?
 
Casio said:
Very sorry, you are right I copied the sequence incorrectly?

Is that a statement or a question?
 

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