A sequence can be generated by using [tex]a_n = 3a_{(n-1)}[/tex] where [tex]a_1 = 6[/tex] and [tex]n[/tex] is a whole number greater than 1. What are the first four terms of the sequence?



Answer :

Sure, let's find the first four terms of the sequence given by the recursive formula [tex]\( a_n = 3a_{n-1} \)[/tex] with the initial term [tex]\( a_1 = 6 \)[/tex].

1. First term:
- We are given [tex]\( a_1 = 6 \)[/tex].

2. Second term:
- To find the second term [tex]\( a_2 \)[/tex], we use the formula [tex]\( a_n = 3a_{n-1} \)[/tex] for [tex]\( n = 2 \)[/tex].
[tex]\[ a_2 = 3a_1 = 3 \times 6 = 18 \][/tex]

3. Third term:
- To find the third term [tex]\( a_3 \)[/tex], we use the formula [tex]\( a_n = 3a_{n-1} \)[/tex] for [tex]\( n = 3 \)[/tex].
[tex]\[ a_3 = 3a_2 = 3 \times 18 = 54 \][/tex]

4. Fourth term:
- To find the fourth term [tex]\( a_4 \)[/tex], we again use the formula [tex]\( a_n = 3a_{n-1} \)[/tex] for [tex]\( n = 4 \)[/tex].
[tex]\[ a_4 = 3a_3 = 3 \times 54 = 162 \][/tex]

So, the first four terms of the sequence are [tex]\( 6 \)[/tex], [tex]\( 18 \)[/tex], [tex]\( 54 \)[/tex], and [tex]\( 162 \)[/tex].

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