I need an explanation on how to do problem like this
Find the first 5 terms of the sequence: an = 4^n - 1.

Question

I need an explanation on how to do problem like this 
Find the first 5 terms of the sequence: an = 4^n - 1.

across · Answer

A sequence is usually defined over the set of natural numbers $\mathbb{N}$. It follows that all you have to do is know how to plug in numbers: Given$$a_n=4^n-1,$$we can see that the first $5$ terms of this function are $3,15,63,255,1023$.

across · Answer

I meant to say sequence, not function. :P

anonymous · Answer

so I would plug in the real numbers for n and then do the math?

across · Answer

The natural numbers. :)

across · Answer

Recall that the natural numbers are$$\mathbb{N}=\{1,2,3,\dots\}.$$

anonymous · Answer

oh yeah.. oops lol

anonymous · Answer

okay, thats easy enough. Thanks(: