Answer:
341
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of people who know the art of quilting in each successive generation is
1, 4, 16, …
These numbers represent a geometric sequence where each term has the form
aₙ = a₁rⁿ⁻¹
In your sequence, a₁ = 1 and r = 4.
Then, the formula for your sequence is
aₙ = 4ⁿ⁻¹
Sum over five generations
The formula for the sum of the first n terms of a geometric series is
Sum = a₁[(1 - rⁿ)/(1 - r)]
Sum = 1[(1 - 4⁵)/(1 - 4)
= (1 - 1024)/(-3)
= -1023/-3
= 341
If the process continues for five generations, 341 people will know the art of quilting.
