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Arithmetic Sequence.

What is the explicit formula for -39, -139, -139, -339?​

User Shantelle
by
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1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

an = -39 -100(n -1)

Explanation:

The given sequence can be described by a 3rd degree polynomial.* However, we suspect a typo, and that your intention is to have a formula for the arithmetic sequence ...

-39, -139, -239, -339

This has a first term a1 = -39, and a common difference d = -100.

The model for the explicit formula is ...

an = a1 +d(n -1)

Filling in the given values, the formula you seek is ...

an = -39 -100(n -1)

_____

* That polynomial is ...

an = 50n^3 +350n^2 -800n +461

This gives a sequence that starts ...

-39, -139, -139, -339, -1039, -2539, -5139, -9139, ...

User Mattdibi
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