197k views
4 votes
The table below represents a geometric sequence. Determine the recursive function that defines the sequence.

The table below represents a geometric sequence. Determine the recursive function-example-1
User Jafari
by
7.4k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Answer:

C

Explanation:

How do we get from 4 to 20? Multiply 4 * 5 = 20.

How do we get from 20 to 100? Multiply 20 * 100.

Thus the answer is C where you multiply 5 by the previous function output.

I saw this pattern from experience, however you could also solve another way:

Simply plug in to the given functions in each answer choice.

For example, A:

f(1) = 4

f(n) = 16 * f(n - 1), for n >= 2

Now test values of n and check if they match the table.

f(1) = 4. This matches the table

f(2) = 16 * f(2 - 1) = 16 * f(1) = 16 * 4 = 64. This does not match the table.

You continue this process with the rest of the answer choices until you find a function, f(n), that gives the correct output of the table.

User Jrend
by
7.6k points