Question

If a1 =1 and an = (an-1)2 + 5 then find the value of a3

Answer 1

We know that:

`a_n=1`

and

`a_n=(a_(n-1))^2+5`

To find the value of a3 we need to find the value of a2 first:

`a_2=(a_(2-1))^2+5=(a_1)^2+5=(1)^2+5=1+5=6`

Then:

`a_3=(a_(3-1))^2+5=(a_2)^2+5=(6)^2+5=36+5=41`

Therefore:

`a_3=41`