Question

Given the rule: an=7(1/2)n-1 identify the first term

Answer 1

Answer:

• using the rule given: 2.5
• using an exponential rule: 7

Step-by-step explanation:

Evaluating the linear rule given, for n = 1, we have ...

  a1 = 7(1/2)(1) -1 = 7/2 -1 = 5/2 = 2.5

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We suspect you may intend the exponential function ...

  an = 7(1/2)^(n-1)

Then, for n = 1, we have ...

  a1 = 7(1/2)^(1 -1) = 7(1) = 7 . . . . the first term is 7

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When writing an exponential expression in plain text, it requires the exponential operator, a caret (^). If the exponent contains any arithmetic, as this one does, it must be enclosed in parentheses.