Monday, February 8, 2010

Chapter 13 Sequences and Recursive Definitions


Sequences
A sequence is simply a list of numbers.

There are two main types of sequences:
Arithmetic - where you add or subtract
Geometric - where you multiply
(*Note: division is considered Geometric. For example: If a sequence divides by three, it is considered to be multiplied by one-third.

Formulas to find a term:
Arithmetic
tn-t'+(n-1)d
n=term #
t'=first term
d=what you add
tn=term#_in sequence

Geometric
tn=t'∙r^(n-1)
r= what you multiply by

Recursive Definitions
A recursive Definition is a formula for a sequence that involves a previous term. [a(n-1)]
an= (an-1/3)

1 comment:

  1. *can only be found when a geometric sequence where |r|<1

    Formula: S = t1/1-r

    *if |r| is not less than 1 we say the series diveges - doesn't approach a #

    * if |r|<1 then we say the series approaches a #

    Example:

    1. Find the sum of the infinite series: 9 - 6 + 4

    (geometric)

    r = -6/9 = -2

    |-2/3| < 1

    S = 9/(1 - (-2/3)) = 27/5

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