What is the Formula for the Sequence 242.9.1.24-26?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter karush
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Sequence
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding formulas for a sequence identified by the numbers 242.9.1.24-26. Participants explore various mathematical expressions and approaches related to the sequences in question, including both theoretical and practical aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose the formula for the sequence as $$a_n=\frac{n^{n+1}}{5^{n+1}}$$ and others suggest $$a_n=\frac{(-1)^{n}+1}{2}$$ for different parts of the sequence.
  • One participant questions the correctness of basic exponentiation, asking if $4^5$ is really 64 and if $5^6$ is really 125.
  • Another participant suggests using the magnitude or the square of a trigonometric function for problem 25, while another counters that this might complicate things, proposing a simpler hybrid function instead.
  • For problem 26, a participant describes a sequence with values 0, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, and provides a recursive formula to generate these values.
  • One participant suggests a formula for Q3 as $$a_n = \left \lceil {\frac{n}{2}} \right \rceil$$ and explains the ceiling function notation, while another participant seeks clarification on this notation.
  • There is a mention of being at a lower level of understanding, indicating varying levels of familiarity with the concepts discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views on the formulas for the sequences, and there is no consensus on the correct approach or formula for each part of the sequence. The discussion remains unresolved with various interpretations and suggestions presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the correctness of basic mathematical operations, and there are unresolved questions about the notation and definitions used in the discussion.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
View attachment 6095
$\text{write the formula for the sequence}$
$\text{.24 }$ $$a_n=\frac{n^{n+1}}{5^{n+1}}$$
$\text{.25 }$ $$a_n=\frac{(-1)^{n}+1}{2}$$
$\text{26.}?$
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
karush said:
$\text{write the formula for the sequence}$
$\text{.24 }$ $$a_n=\frac{n^{n+1}}{5^{n+1}}$$
$\text{.25 }$ $$a_n=\frac{(-1)^{n}+1}{2}$$
$\text{26.}?$

Is 4^5 really 64? Is 5^6 really 125?
 
Prove It said:
Is 4^5 really 64? Is 5^6 really 125?
$\text{.24 }$ $$a_n=\frac{n^3}{5^{n+1}}$$
 
For problem 25, I would consider using the magnitude or the square of a trigonometric function. :D
 
MarkFL said:
For problem 25, I would consider using the magnitude or the square of a trigonometric function. :D

While that would work, I think it would complicate things :P why note just a simple hybrid function?

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} a_n = \begin{cases} 1 \textrm{ if } n \textrm{ is odd} \\ 0 \textrm{ if } n \textrm{ is even} \end{cases} , \, n \in \mathbf{N} \end{align*}$
 
For Q3 I would do $\displaystyle \begin{align*} a_n = \left \lceil {\frac{n}{2}} \right \rceil , \, n \in \left\{ 0, 1, 2, 3, \dots \right\} \end{align*}$
 
$\text{26 the sequence 0, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4····}$
$$\displaystyle
a_n=a_n +\frac{(-1)^n +1}{2} \\
a_1=0\\
a_2=0+\frac{(-1)^2 +1}{2}=1 \\
a_3=1+\frac{(-1)^3 +1}{2}=1 \\
a_4=1+\frac{(-1)^4 +1}{2}=2 \\
a_5=2+\frac{(-1)^5 +1}{2}=2 \\
a_5=2+\frac{(-1)^5 +1}{2}=3 \\
a_5=3+\frac{(-1)^5 +1}{2}=3 \\
a_5=3+\frac{(-1)^5 +1}{2}=4 \\
$$
$\text{no given answer on this so hopefully..}$
☕
 
Last edited:
Prove It said:
For Q3 I would do $\displaystyle \begin{align*} a_n = \left \lceil {\frac{n}{2}} \right \rceil , \, n \in \left\{ 0, 1, 2, 3, \dots \right\} \end{align*}$

how?
 
karush said:
how?
Do you know what the notation means? The "ceiling function", \lceil {x}\rceil (this is not "[x]"- there are no lower serifs), is equal to the smallest integer less than or equal to x. So \left\lceil 0\right\rceil= 0, \left\lceil \frac{1}{2}\right\rceil= 0, \left\lceil 1\right\rceil= 1, \left\lceil \frac{3}{2}\right\rceil= 1, etc.
 
  • #10
still in the 200 level not the 500😎
 
  • #11
HallsofIvy said:
Do you know what the notation means? The "ceiling function", \lceil {x}\rceil (this is not "[x]"- there are no lower serifs), is equal to the smallest integer less than or equal to x. So \left\lceil 0\right\rceil= 0, \left\lceil \frac{1}{2}\right\rceil= 0, \left\lceil 1\right\rceil= 1, \left\lceil \frac{3}{2}\right\rceil= 1, etc.

It's actually the smallest integer GREATER THAN or equal to x...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K