Write an expression to describe the sequence below. Use n to represent the position of a term in the sequence, where n=1 for the first term. –8, –16, –24, –32, ...
Q. Write an expression to describe the sequence below. Use n to represent the position of a term in the sequence, where n=1 for the first term. –8, –16, –24, –32, ...
Determine Sequence Pattern: We need to determine the pattern of the sequence. The sequence is −8,−16,−24,−32,…, and we can see that each term is 8 less than the previous term. This indicates that the sequence is arithmetic, with a common difference of −8.
Write Expression for nth Term: To write an expression for the nth term of an arithmetic sequence, we use the formula: an=a1+(n−1)d, where an is the nth term, a1 is the first term, and d is the common difference.
Calculate with Given Values: In this sequence, a1=−8 (the first term) and d=−8 (the common difference). Plugging these values into the formula gives us: an=−8+(n−1)(−8).
Simplify Expression: Simplify the expression: an=−8−8(n−1). Distribute the −8 inside the parentheses: an=−8−8n+8.
Combine Like Terms: Combine like terms: an=−8n. The +8 and −8 cancel each other out.
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