First Order Recursions 59

1. First solve the homogeneous recurrence xn = axn−1 by “raising the subscripts” in the form xn = axn−1 . This we call the
characteristic equation. Cancelling this gives x = a. The solution to the homogeneous equation xn = axn−1 will be of
the form xn = Aan , where A is a constant to be determined.
2. Test a solution of the form xn = Aan + g(n), where g is a polynomial of the same degree as f .

385 Example Let x0 = 7 and xn = 2xn−1 , n ≥ 1. Find a closed form for xn .

Solution: Raising subscripts we have the characteristic equation xn = 2xn−1 . Cancelling, x = 2. Thus we try a solution of the
form xn = A2n , were A is a constant. But 7 = x0 = A20 and so A = 7. The solution is thus xn = 7(2)n .
Aliter: We have
x0 = 7

x1 = 2x0

x2 = 2x1

x3 = 2x2
.. .. ..
. . .

xn = 2xn−1
Multiplying both columns,
x0 x1 · · · xn = 7 · 2nx0 x1 x2 · · · xn−1 .
Cancelling the common factors on both sides of the equality,
xn = 7 · 2 n .

386 Example Let x0 = 7 and xn = 2xn−1 + 1, n ≥ 1. Find a closed form for xn .

Solution: By raising the subscripts in the homogeneous equation we obtain xn = 2xn−1 or x = 2. A solution to the
homogeneous equation will be of the form xn = A(2)n . Now f (n) = 1 is a polynomial of degree 0 (a constant) and so we test a
particular constant solution C. The general solution will have the form xn = A2n + B. Now, 7 = x0 = A20 + B = A + B. Also,
x1 = 2x0 + 7 = 15 and so 15 = x1 = 2A + B. Solving the simultaneous equations
A + B = 7,
2A + B = 15,
we find A = 8, B = −1. So the solution is xn = 8(2 ) − 1 = 2n+3 − 1.
n

Aliter: We have:
x0 = 7

x1 = 2x0 + 1

x2 = 2x1 + 1

x3 = 2x2 + 1
.. .. ..
. . .

xn−1 = 2xn−2 + 1

xn = 2xn−1 + 1