Question

If f(1) = 2 and f(n) = f(n − 1)2 + 3 then find the value of f(3).

Answer 1

52

Explanation:

f(n) is purely based on the previous value of f(n), or f(n-1), so we can start with f(1) and work our way up. We know f(1) = 2, so to find f(2), we plug f(1) into

f(n-1)²+3 to get

f(1)²+3 = 2²+3 = 4+3=7

Thus, f(2) =7. Similarly,

f(3) = f(3-1)²+3 = f(2)² + 3 -= 7² + 3= 52