math 10 – week 17

This week in math, we learned how to find tn in arithmetic sequence when not given t1 and a pattern. first we need to find the difference(how much it goes up by)

for example: your given t2=5 and t5= 11

first you have to find the difference between t2 and t5 (just look at what you have to add from t2 to get to t5).

t2+3d= t5

now substitute the answers of t2 and t5

5+3d=11

now use simple algebra (transfer 5 to the other side)

3d= 11-5

3d=6

divide 3 by both sides

d= 2

now that you know the difference, we can find what tn is using the formula tn=t1+(n-1)d

To find t1 we can just subtract 2 from t2 which equals 3. We know t1 is 3 because the pattern (difference) is 2 and if your going backwards you subtract. substitute all the numbers you know

tn=3+ (n-1)2

tn= 3+2n-2

tn= 2n+1

now you know what tn is.

 

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