Worked solutions — Sequences (step-by-step)
Q1.
The first four terms are: -10, -8, -6, -4
Step 1: Identify the pattern. This is arithmetic with common difference d = -8 - (-10) =
2.
Step 2: Use nth-term formula for an arithmetic sequence:
a_n = a1 + (n - 1)d
a1 = -10, d = 2
a_n = -10 + (n - 1) * 2
Step 3: Simplify:
a_n = -10 + 2n - 2 = 2n - 12
Answer: 2n - 12
Q2.
The first four terms are: 3, 11, 19, 27
Step 1: Common difference d = 11 - 3 = 8
Step 2: nth-term formula:
a_n = a1 + (n - 1)d
a1 = 3, d = 8
a_n = 3 + (n - 1) * 8
Step 3: Simplify:
a_n = 3 + 8n - 8 = 8n - 5
Answer: 8n - 5
Q3.
The sequence is: 15, 12, 9, 6
Step 1: Common difference d = 12 - 15 = -3
Step 2: nth-term formula:
a_n = a1 + (n - 1)d
a1 = 15, d = -3
a_n = 15 + (n - 1) * (-3)
Step 3: Simplify:
a_n = 15 - 3n + 3 = 18 - 3n
Answer: 18 - 3n
Q4.
Term-to-term rule: u_{n+1} = 2 u_n + 15, and u1 = 5
Find u2.
Step 1: Substitute n = 1 into the recurrence:
u2 = 2 * u1 + 15
Step 2: Use u1 = 5:
u2 = 2 * 5 + 15 = 10 + 15 = 25
Answer: 25
Q5.
Sequence: 7, 5, 3, 1, -1, ...
Step 1: Differences: 5-7 = -2, 3-5 = -2, 1-3 = -2, -1-1 = -2
Step 2: Pattern: each term decreases by 2. So next term = -1 - 2 = -3
Answer: -3
Q6.
Sequence: 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, ...
Step 1: Differences: 11-8 = 3, 14-11 = 3, ...
Step 2: Pattern: increase by 3 each time. Next term = 20 + 3 = 23
Answer: 23
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End of worked solutions.
