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Given two terms in an arithmetic sequence write the explicit formula

Given two terms in an arithmetic sequence write the explicit formula-example-1

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Answer:

an = 40 - 3n

Read down to get the alternate answer.

Explanation:

an = a1 + (n - 1)*d

a2 = a1 + (2 - 1)d

34 = a1 + d

a7 = a1 + 6*d

19 = a1 + 6d

34= a1 + d Subtract

-15 = 5d Divide by 5

d = - 3

Now use the first equation to find a2

a1 + d = 34

a1 -3 = 34 Add 3

a1 = 34 + 3

a1 = 37

The formula you want is

an = 37 + (n - 1)*-3 You could reduce it further. Remove the brackets

an = 37 - 3n + 3

an = 40 - 3n

Does it work? Try a7

19 = 40 - 3*7

19 = 40 - 21

19 = 19

Yes it works.

User Eike Behrends
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