Question

If a_1 = 8 and a_n = a_{n-1} - 3 , then the value of a_5 is:

A. -13

B. -10

C. -7

D. -4

Answer 1

The value of a_5 is -4.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the value of a5, we can use the given recursive formula: an = an-1 - 3. Starting with a1 = 8, we can apply the formula repeatedly to find the next terms:

a2 = a1 - 3 = 8 - 3 = 5

a3 = a2 - 3 = 5 - 3 = 2

a4 = a3 - 3 = 2 - 3 = -1

a5 = a4 - 3 = -1 - 3 = -4

Therefore, the value of a5 is -4, so the correct answer is D. -4.