Question

The first four terms of a sequence are shown below.

9, 5, 1, -3

Which of the following functions best defines this sequence?

f(1) = 9, f(n + 1) = f(n) - 4; for n ≥ 1

f(1) = 9, f(n + 1) = f(n) + 4; for n ≥ 1

f(1) = 9, f(n + 1) = f(n) - 5; for n ≥ 1

f(1) = 9, f(n + 1) = f(n) + 5; for n ≥ 1

Answer 1

How the heck am I supposed to solve a function where, for example, f(n)-4=f(n+1)
What does the = signify? We never learned this. I can solve regular recursive functions.

Answer 2

f(1) = 9, f(n + 1) = f(n) - 4; for n ≥ 1
would be your answer Dave. f(n)-4=f(n+1) because it is the nth term. it is basically subtracting 4 from ever term your on and equals the next.

Answer 3

f(n+1)= f(n) -4
is a "rule"
say n is 1, then this says
f(1+1) = f(1) - 4
f(1) is the first term in the sequence, which you see is 9
f(2) = 9-4
f(2)= 5
did the rule work? If so, that is the answer

Answer 4

after you subtract four you just subtract it again to get your next term

Answer 5

Ahhh, i get it now.

Answer 6

the n stands for which number in the sequence... starting with 1

Answer 7

thanks all
can turn back time but i cant solve basic recursive functions

Answer 8

f(n) stands for the actual number, n for the "place"

so n=3 means the 3rd number in the list
f(3) means the value of that 3rd number.

Answer 9

lol at least math is better than being turned into a frog