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Find the first term and the common difference of the arithmetic sequence described.

Give a recursive formula for the sequence.

Find a formula for the [tex]$n^{\text{th}}$[/tex] term.

The [tex]25^{\text{th}}[/tex] term is [tex]$0$[/tex]; the [tex]60^{\text{th}}[/tex] term is [tex]-105[/tex].


Sagot :

To solve this problem, let's break it down step by step:

1. Identify the Given Terms:

We are given:
- The 25th term of the arithmetic sequence ([tex]\(a_{25}\)[/tex]) is 0.
- The 60th term of the arithmetic sequence ([tex]\(a_{60}\)[/tex]) is -105.

2. Calculate the Common Difference:

The formula for the [tex]\(n\)[/tex]th term of an arithmetic sequence is:
[tex]\[ a_n = a + (n - 1) \cdot d \][/tex]
where:
- [tex]\(a\)[/tex] is the first term,
- [tex]\(d\)[/tex] is the common difference,
- [tex]\(n\)[/tex] is the position of the term in the sequence.

For the 25th term ([tex]\(a_{25}\)[/tex]):
[tex]\[ a_{25} = a + 24 \cdot d = 0 \][/tex]

For the 60th term ([tex]\(a_{60}\)[/tex]):
[tex]\[ a_{60} = a + 59 \cdot d = -105 \][/tex]
To find the common difference [tex]\(d\)[/tex], subtract the equation for the 25th term from the equation for the 60th term:
[tex]\[ (a + 59d) - (a + 24d) = -105 - 0 \][/tex]
Simplify this equation:
[tex]\[ 35d = -105 \][/tex]
Solve for [tex]\(d\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ d = \frac{-105}{35} = -3 \][/tex]

3. Calculate the First Term:

Now, use the value of [tex]\(d\)[/tex] to find the first term [tex]\(a\)[/tex]. Using the relation from the 25th term:
[tex]\[ 0 = a + 24 \cdot (-3) \][/tex]
Simplify and solve for [tex]\(a\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ 0 = a - 72 \implies a = 72 \][/tex]

4. Recursive Formula for the Sequence:

The recursive formula for the arithmetic sequence provides a way to find the [tex]\(n\)[/tex]th term based on the [tex]\((n-1)\)[/tex]th term. Since the common difference [tex]\(d\)[/tex] is -3, the recursive formula is:
[tex]\[ a(n) = a(n-1) + (-3) \][/tex]
Or more simply:
[tex]\[ a(n) = a(n-1) - 3 \][/tex]

5. Formula for the [tex]\(n^{\text{th}}\)[/tex] Term:

Using the general formula for the [tex]\(n\)[/tex]th term of an arithmetic sequence:
[tex]\[ a_n = a + (n - 1) \cdot d \][/tex]
Substitute [tex]\(a = 72\)[/tex] and [tex]\(d = -3\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ a_n = 72 + (n - 1) \cdot (-3) \][/tex]
Simplify this formula:
[tex]\[ a_n = 72 - 3(n - 1) = 72 - 3n + 3 = 75 - 3n \][/tex]

In summary:
- The first term [tex]\(a\)[/tex] is [tex]\(72\)[/tex].
- The common difference [tex]\(d\)[/tex] is [tex]\(-3\)[/tex].
- The recursive formula for the sequence is [tex]\(a(n) = a(n-1) - 3\)[/tex].
- The formula for the [tex]\(n\)[/tex]th term is [tex]\(a_n = 75 - 3n\)[/tex].