Question

Find the nth term of the arithmetic sequence where a1 = 5000 and d = -100

Answer 1

do you recall the general formula for an arithmetic seq?

Answer 2

an = dn + c

Answer 3

good, lets use that :)

Answer 4

\[a_n=a_1+d(n-1)\] might be more applicable

Answer 5

\[a_{n}=5000-100(n-1)\]

Answer 6

when n=1, the first term; we get 5000

Answer 7

do you know if we start ar a1 or a0 tho?

Answer 8

so wouldn't the first term equal 4900?

Answer 9

whats our first term? a0 or a1 ?

Answer 10

a1 i guess

Answer 11

then a1 = 5000 :) a2 = 4900, a3 = 4800 etc .....

Answer 12

but what would be the nth term?

Answer 13

\[a_{n}=5000-100(n-1)\]

whatever n value you want to plug in; that is what it will be

Answer 14

the nth terms IS: 5000 -100(n-1)

Answer 15

you have to realize that "nth" is not static, it can take on any value it wants. When you determine you want the 253rd term, then n=253. When you want the 15th term, then n=15; etc ....