Skip to main content
Ch. 8 - Sequences, Induction, and Probability
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 9, Problema 89

Exercises 88–90 will help you prepare for the material covered in the next section. Consider the sequence whose nth term is an = (3)5n Find a2/a3, a1/a2, a4/a3 and a5/a4 What do you observe?

Guida verificata passo dopo passo
1
Identify the general term of the sequence given by an = 3 imes 5^n. This means each term is 3 times 5 raised to the power of n.
Write expressions for the specific terms needed: a_1 = 3 imes 5^1, a_2 = 3 imes 5^2, a_3 = 3 imes 5^3, a_4 = 3 imes 5^4, and a_5 = 3 imes 5^5.
Calculate each ratio by dividing the corresponding terms: \(\frac{a_2}{a_3}\) = \(\frac{3 imes 5^2}{3 imes 5^3}\), \(\frac{a_1}{a_2}\) = \(\frac{3 imes 5^1}{3 imes 5^2}\), \(\frac{a_4}{a_3}\) = \(\frac{3 imes 5^4}{3 imes 5^3}\), and \(\frac{a_5}{a_4}\) = \(\frac{3 imes 5^5}{3 imes 5^4}\).
Simplify each ratio by canceling the common factor 3 and applying the properties of exponents: \(\frac{5^m}{5^n}\) = 5^{m-n}. For example, \(\frac{a_2}{a_3}\) = 5^{2-3} = 5^{-1}.
Observe the simplified ratios to identify any pattern or relationship, such as whether the ratios are constant or follow a specific rule related to the powers of 5.

Risposta video verificata per un problema simile:

Questa soluzione video è stata consigliata dai nostri tutor come utile per risolvere questo problema.
Durata del video:
4m

Concetti chiave

Ecco i concetti essenziali che devi comprendere per rispondere correttamente alla domanda.

Sequences and Terms

A sequence is an ordered list of numbers defined by a specific formula for its nth term. Understanding how to find individual terms using the given formula an = 3 * 5^n is essential to evaluate and compare terms in the sequence.
Video consigliato:
8:22
Introduction to Sequences

Ratio of Consecutive Terms

The ratio of consecutive terms in a sequence is found by dividing one term by the next or previous term. This concept helps identify patterns such as constant ratios, which indicate geometric sequences.
Video consigliato:
4:18
Geometric Sequences - Recursive Formula

Geometric Sequences

A geometric sequence is one where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed constant called the common ratio. Recognizing this helps explain why ratios like a2/a3 or a5/a4 are constant in sequences defined by exponential expressions.
Video consigliato:
4:18
Geometric Sequences - Recursive Formula