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If a1= 1 and an= (an-1)^2 -3 then find the value of a4

User Dawson
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Using the recursive formula, we find a2 to be -2, then compute a3 as 1, and finally determine a4 to be -2.

Step-by-step explanation:

We start by finding the value of a2 using the given recursive formula, where a1=1. So,

a2 = (a1)^2 - 3 = (1)^2 - 3 = 1 - 3 = -2.

Next, we find a3:

a3 = (a2)^2 - 3 = (-2)^2 - 3 = 4 - 3 = 1.

Finally, we calculate a4:

a4 = (a3)^2 - 3 = (1)^2 - 3 = 1 - 3 = -2.

Therefore, the value of a4 is -2.

User Markymark
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