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What is the 20th term in the linear sequence 15, 7, -1, -9, -17

User Dan Becker
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2 Answers

0 votes
Then answer is -137 I agreee
User Usman Tahir
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3 votes

Hello from MrBillDoesMath!

Answer:

-137


Discussion:

It appears the 8 is subtracted from each term in the sequcnes as we proceed from left to right. The equation describing the nth terms is therefore:

a(n) = 15 - 8 * (n-1)

a(1) = 15 - 8(0) = 15

a(2) = 15 - 8*(2-1) = 15 - 8 = 7

a(3) = 15 - 8(3-1) = 15 - 8(2) = 15 - 16 = -1

etc


The 20th term is given by

a(20) = 15 - 8(20-1)

= 15 - 8 * 19

= 15 - 152

= -137



Thank you,

MrB

User SACn
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5.1k points