Big Ideas Math Algebra 1, 2015
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Big Ideas Math Algebra 1, 2015 View details
6. Arithmetic Sequences
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Exercise 10 Page 212

What is the first term of the sequence? What is the common difference? Use these values in the explicit equation for arithmetic sequences.

Equation: a_n=- n+2
25th Term: a_(25)=- 23

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Explicit equations for arithmetic sequences follow a specific format. a_n= a_1+( n-1) d In this form, a_1 is the first term of the sequence, d is the common difference, and a_n is the nth term. In the given sequence, the first term is a_1= 1. Let's pay close attention to the pattern in order to determine the common difference d. 1+( - 1) âź¶0+( - 1) âź¶- 1+( - 1) âź¶- 2+( - 1) âź¶... The common difference is - 1. Therefore, by substituting a_1= 1 and d= - 1 into the explicit equation and simplifying, we can find the formula for this sequence.
a_n=a_1+(n-1)d
a_n= 1+(n-1)( -1)
a_n=1-n+1
a_n=- n+2
We found the equation for the nth term of the given arithmetic sequence. This equation can be used to find any term of the sequence. To find a_(25), the 25th term, we substitute 25 for n.
a_n=- n+2
a_(25)=- 25+2
a_(25)=-23
The 25th term of the sequence is -23.