Question

What are the explicit equation and domain for an arithmetic sequence with a first term of 5 and a second term of 2?

an = 5 − 2(n − 1); all integers where n ≥ 1
an = 5 − 2(n − 1); all integers where n ≥ 0
an = 5 − 3(n − 1); all integers where n ≥ 1
an = 5 − 3(n − 1); all integers where n ≥ 0

Answer 1

A is INCORRECT

Explanation:

Just finished the FLVS test

Answer 2

The easiest way to answer this is to try all choices, plug in values for the 1st term and 2nd term then check if the answer matches with 5 and 2. (n = 1 and n = 2)

We know that n starts with 1 because that is our 1st term, we do not have 0th term, therefore that leaves us with 2 choices.

Choice 1: an = 5 − 2(n − 1); all integers where n ≥ 1

n = 1

a1 = 5 – 2 (1 – 1) = 5 – 2 (0)

a1 = 5

n = 2

a2 = 5 – 2 (2 – 1) = 5 – 2 (1)

a2 = 3 (FALSE!)

Choice 2: an = 5 − 3(n − 1); all integers where n ≥ 1

n = 1

a1 = 5 – 3 (1 – 1) = 5 – 3 (0)

a1 = 5

n = 2

a2 = 5 – 3 (2 – 1) = 5 – 3 (1)

a2 = 2 (TRUE)

Therefore the correct answer is:

an = 5 − 3(n − 1); all integers where n ≥ 1