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What is the explicit formula for this geometric sequence? 8, 4, 2, 1

User VirgileD
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2 Answers

4 votes

Answer:x2

Explanation:

User Jolvera
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5 votes

Answer:

a[n] = 2^(4-n)

Explanation:

There are many ways the formula for the given sequence can be written. The first term (a[1]) is 8 and the common ratio (r) is 1/2, so the generic form is ...

a[n] = a[1]·r^(n-1)

a[n] = 8·(1/2)^(n-1)

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If we recognize that 8 = 2^3 and 1/2 = 2^-1, then we can write this as ...

a[n] = 2^3·(2^-1)^(n-1) = 2^(3 -n +1)

a[n] = 2^(4 -n)

User Bhollis
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