Question

55 176 539 1628 in the sequence above each rem after the first is determined by multiplying by x and then adding y. If x and y are each greater than zero and if they are integers than what does the term x+y equals?

Answer 1

Answer: 14

Explanation:

Given the sequence : 55 176 539 1628

Each number after the first is derived by multiplying by x and then adding y;

If x and y are > 0 and they are integers.

Taking 55 and 176:

176 = 55*x + y

539 = 176*x + y

55x + y = 176 - - - (1)

176x + y = 539 - - (2)

From (1) y = 176 - 55x

Substitute y = 176 - 55x into (2)

176x + 176 - 55x = 539

121x = 539 - 176

121x = 363

x = 363 / 121

x = 3

Put x = 3 in y = 176 - 55x

y = 176 - 55(3)

y = 176 - 165

y = 11

x = 3, y = 11

x + y = 3 + 11 = 14