7. Some Definitions
Sequence: An ordered list of numbers that follow a certain pattern (or rule).
Arithmetic Sequence:(i) Recursive Definition: An ordered list of numbers
generated by continuously adding a value (the common
difference) to a given first term.
(ii) Implicit Definition: An ordered list of numbers where
each number in the list is generated by a linear equation.
Common Difference (d):(i) The number that is repeatedly added to
successive terms in an arithmetic sequence.
(ii) From the implicit definition, d is the slope of the linear
equation.
8. To Find The Common Difference
d is the common difference d = tn - t(n - 1)
tn is an arbitrary term in the sequence
t(n - 1) is the term immediately before tn in the sequence
To Find the nth Term In an Arithmetic Sequence
tn is the nth term tn = a + (n - 1)d
a is the first term
n is the quot;rankquot; of the nth term in the sequence
d is the common difference
Example: Find the 51st term (t51) of the sequence 11, 5, -1, -7, ...
Solution: a = 11 t51 = 11 + (51 - 1)(-6)
d = 5 - 11 t51 = 11 + (50)(-6)
= -6 t51 = 11 - 300
n = 51 t51 = -289
9. Geometric Sequence: (i) Recursive Definition: An ordered list of numbers
generated by continuously multiplying a value (the common ratio)
with a given first term.
(ii) Implicit Definition: An ordered list of numbers where each
number in the list is generated by an exponential equation.
Common Ratio (r): (i) The number that is repeatedly multiplied to
successive terms in a geometic sequence.
(ii) From the implicit definition, r is the base of the exponential
function.
11. To Find The Common Ratio
r is the common ratio
tn is an arbitrary term in the sequence
t(n - 1) is the term immediately before tn in the sequence
To Find the nth Term In a Geometic Sequence
tn is the nth term
a is the first term
n is the quot;rankquot; of the nth term in the sequence
r is the common ratio