Consider the sequence of numbers: [tex]\frac{3}{8}, \frac{3}{4}, 1 \frac{1}{8}, 1 \frac{1}{2}, 1 \frac{7}{8}, \ldots[/tex]

Which statement is a description of the sequence?

A. The sequence is recursive, where each term is [tex]\frac{1}{4}[/tex] greater than its preceding term.
B. The sequence is recursive and can be represented by the function [tex]f(n+1)=f(n)+\frac{3}{8}[/tex].
C. The sequence is arithmetic, where each pair of terms has a constant difference of [tex]\frac{3}{4}[/tex].
D. The sequence is arithmetic and can be represented by the function [tex]f(n+1)=f(n)\left(\frac{3}{8}\right)[/tex].



Answer :

Let's analyze the given sequence of numbers: [tex]\(\frac{3}{8}, \frac{3}{4}, 1 \frac{1}{8}, 1 \frac{1}{2}, 1 \frac{7}{8}, \ldots\)[/tex].

To understand the nature of this sequence, we first convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions:

1. [tex]\( \frac{3}{8} \)[/tex]
2. [tex]\( \frac{3}{4} = \frac{6}{8} \)[/tex]
3. [tex]\( 1 \frac{1}{8} = \frac{9}{8} \)[/tex]
4. [tex]\( 1 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{12}{8} \)[/tex]
5. [tex]\( 1 \frac{7}{8} = \frac{15}{8} \)[/tex]

Next, we will determine the differences between each consecutive term to check for arithmetic properties:

1. Difference between [tex]\(\frac{3}{4}\)[/tex] and [tex]\(\frac{3}{8}\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \frac{6}{8} - \frac{3}{8} = \frac{3}{8} \][/tex]

2. Difference between [tex]\(1 \frac{1}{8}\)[/tex] and [tex]\(\frac{3}{4}\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \frac{9}{8} - \frac{6}{8} = \frac{3}{8} \][/tex]

3. Difference between [tex]\(1 \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex] and [tex]\(1 \frac{1}{8}\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \frac{12}{8} - \frac{9}{8} = \frac{3}{8} \][/tex]

4. Difference between [tex]\(1 \frac{7}{8}\)[/tex] and [tex]\(1 \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \frac{15}{8} - \frac{12}{8} = \frac{3}{8} \][/tex]

We observe that each consecutive term in the sequence has a common difference of [tex]\(\frac{3}{8}\)[/tex].

However, earlier results showed the actual difference is [tex]\(\frac{3}{8} = 0.375\)[/tex] consistently, but verifying this detail with the required precision confirms this unique sequence properties which mention consistent equal increments.

Upon further review of the options:
1. The statement "The sequence is recursive, where each term is [tex]\(\frac{1}{4}\)[/tex] greater than its preceding term" is incorrect.
2. The statement "The sequence is recursive and can be represented by the function [tex]\(f(n+1) = f(n) + \frac{3}{8}\)[/tex]" accurately describes the pattern of differences.
3. The statement "The sequence is arithmetic, where each pair of terms has a constant difference of [tex]\(\frac{3}{4}\)[/tex]" is incorrect (the common difference is [tex]\(\frac{3}{8}\)[/tex]).
4. The statement "The sequence is arithmetic and can be represented by the function [tex]\(f(n+1) = f(n)\left(\frac{3}{8}\right)\)[/tex]" is incorrect as it suggests a multiplicative pattern instead of additive.

Thus,
- The correct description of the sequence fits the second statement: "The sequence is recursive and can be represented by the function [tex]\(f(n+1) = f(n) + \frac{3}{8}\)[/tex]".

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