Question

What are the first 4 terms use the explicit rule:
f(n)= 3n-1
(show your work)

Answer 1

2,5,8,11

Explanation:

If n=1, 3n-1 =3*1-1 =3-1 =2

If n=2, 3n-1 =3*2-1 =6-1 =5

If n=3, 3n-1 =3*3-1 =9-1 =8

If n=4, 3n-1 =3*4-1 =12-1 =11

Answer 2

1. 2
2. 5
3. 8
4. 11

Explanation:

We are given the rule [ f(n) = 3n - 1 ] and n represents the term.

First term:

f(n) = 3n - 1

f(1) = 3(1) - 1

f(1) = 3 - 1

f(-1) = 2

Second term:

f(n) = 3n - 1

f(2) = 3(2) - 1

f(2) = 6 - 1

f(2) = 5

Third term:

f(n) = 3n - 1

f(3) = 3(3) - 1

f(3) = 9 - 1

f(3) = 8

Fourth term:

f(n) = 3n - 1

f(4) = 3(4) - 1

f(4) = 12 - 1

f(4) = 11

As you can see, the common difference is 3.

Best of Luck!