f(7) gives 5 1/2.
the position is the 7th term
Step-by-step explanation:
f(1)= 8 1/2
f(n)= f(n-1) - 1/2
we are looking for the function that gives 5 1/2
We have been given f(1), this means n = 1
f(1) = f(1-1) - 1/2
8 1/2 = f(0) - 1/2
f(0) = 8 1/2 + 1/2
f(0) = 8 + 1 = 9
when n = 2
f(2) = f(2-1) - 1/2
f(2) = f(1) - 1/2
f(2) = 8 1/2 - 1/2
f(2) = 8
when n = 3
f(3) = f(3-1) - 1/2
f(3) = f(2) - 1/2
f(3) = 8 - 1/2
f(3) = 7 1/2
when x = 4
f(4) = f(4-1) - 1/2
f(4) = f(3) - 1/2
f(4) = 7 1/2 - 1/2
f(4) = 7
when n = 5
f(5) = f(5-1) - 1/2
f(5) = f(4) - 1/2
f(5) = 7 - 1/2
f(5) = 6 1/2
f(6) = f(6-1) - 1/2
f(6) = f(5) - 1/2
f(6) = 6 1/2 - 1/2 = 6
when n = 7
f(7) = f(7-1) - 1/2
f(7) = f(6) - 1/2
f(7) = 6 -1/2 = 5 1/2
f(7) gives 5 1/2.
Hence, the position is the 7th term