Sequence

• A sequence (or progression) is a set of numbers 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , … in a

definite order of arrangement (i.e., a correspondence with the natural
numbers) and formed according to a definite rule. Each number in the
sequence is called a term; 𝑎𝑛 is called the 𝑛th term. The sequence is
called finite or infinite according as there are or are not a finite number
of terms. The sequence 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , … is also designated briefly by {𝑎𝑛 }.
Examples:
1. 2, 7, 12, 17, … , 32
1 1 1
2. 1, , , , …
3 5 7
3. Write the first five terms of each of the following sequences.
2𝑛−1
a. {3𝑛+2}
1−(−1)𝑛
b. { 𝑛3
}
(−1)𝑛−1
c. { }
2∙4∙6⋯2𝑛
1 1 1 1
d. {2 + 4 + 8 + ⋯ + 2𝑛 }
(−1)𝑛−1 𝑥 2𝑛−1
e. { (2𝑛−1)!
}
4. Write an 𝑛th term for the sequence 1, 16, 81, 256, … then
determine the 5th term of the sequence.
Possible answers:
①
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛4
𝑎5 = 54 = 625
②
𝑎𝑛 = 10𝑛3 − 35𝑛2 + 50𝑛 − 24
𝑎5 = 10(5)3 − 35(5)2 + 50(5) − 24 = 601
Note, merely giving a finite number of a terms of a sequence does
not define a unique 𝑛th term.
5. Find a possible 𝑛th term for the sequences whose first five terms
are indicated.
1 3 5 1 9
a. − , , − , ,− ,…
5 8 11 2 17
b. 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, …