Question

The first four terms of a sequence are shown below:

6, 2, -2, -6

Which of the following functions best defines this sequence?

f(1) = 6, f(n + 1) = f(n) + 4; for n ≥ 1

f(1) = 6, f(n + 1) = f(n) - 2; for n ≥ 1

f(1) = 6, f(n + 1) = f(n) - 4; for n ≥ 1

f(1) = 6, f(n + 1) = f(n) + 2; for n ≥ 1

Answer 1

@jim_thompson5910

Answer 2

forget the answer choices for a second

Answer 3

focus on 6, 2, -2, -6

what rule is being applied here?

Answer 4

*-3

Answer 5

@jim_thompson5910

Answer 6

so you're saying "multiply by -3" ?

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

6 times -3 = -18 though

Answer 9

I start with 6 and I want to get to 2

what operation can I do to get there?

Answer 10

minus

Answer 11

take away @jim_thompson5910

Answer 12

6 minus _______ = 2

what goes in the blank

Answer 13

4!

Answer 14

so we're subtracting 4 from each term to get the next term

Answer 15

we have 2, we want to get to -2

2 - 4 = -2

then we subtract 4 again

-2 - 4 = -6

etc etc

Answer 16

so the rule is

f(1) = 6, f(n + 1) = f(n) - 4; for n ≥ 1

which basically says

"the first term is 6. To get any new terms, subtract 4 from the last term"

f(n+1) is the next term after term f(n)

Answer 17

wow that sounds so confusing

Answer 18

it's not too bad once you get the hang of it

Answer 19

it's like saying f(3) = f(2) - 4

Answer 20

yea now i see that -4 and that simplifies it hahah

Answer 21

I'm glad it does

Answer 22

thanks lol do you still have time?
@jim_thompson5910

Answer 23

yes I do