Question
upstudy study bank question image url

(c) The sum of the first \( n \) terms of an arithmetic series is \( \mathrm{S}_{n}=\frac{n}{2}(3-5 n) \). (1) Determine the general term of the sequence. (2) Hence, determine the value of the \( 40^{\text {th }} \) term.

Ask by Bob Perkins. in South Africa
Jan 21,2025

Real Tutor Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

1. The general term of the sequence is \( a_n = -5n + 4 \). 2. The 40th term is -196.

Solution

Let's solve the problem step by step. ### Given: The sum of the first \( n \) terms of an arithmetic series is: \[ \mathrm{S}_n = \frac{n}{2}(3 - 5n) \] ### (1) Determine the General Term of the Sequence (\( a_n \)): For an arithmetic sequence, the \( n \)-th term \( a_n \) can be found using the formula: \[ a_n = S_n - S_{n-1} \] where \( S_n \) is the sum of the first \( n \) terms and \( S_{n-1} \) is the sum of the first \( n-1 \) terms. **Step-by-Step Calculation:** 1. **Express \( S_n \) and \( S_{n-1} \):** \[ S_n = \frac{n}{2}(3 - 5n) \] \[ S_{n-1} = \frac{n-1}{2}(3 - 5(n-1)) = \frac{n-1}{2}(3 - 5n + 5) = \frac{n-1}{2}(8 - 5n) \] 2. **Compute \( a_n \):** \[ a_n = S_n - S_{n-1} = \frac{n}{2}(3 - 5n) - \frac{n-1}{2}(8 - 5n) \] \[ = \frac{1}{2} \left[ n(3 - 5n) - (n-1)(8 - 5n) \right] \] \[ = \frac{1}{2} \left[ 3n - 5n^2 - 8n + 8 + 5n^2 - 5n \right] \] \[ = \frac{1}{2} (-10n + 8) = -5n + 4 \] **Conclusion:** \[ a_n = -5n + 4 \] ### (2) Determine the Value of the \( 40^{\text{th}} \) Term (\( a_{40} \)): Using the general term formula: \[ a_{40} = -5(40) + 4 = -200 + 4 = -196 \] **Final Answer:** 1. The general term is \( a_n = -5\,n + 4 \). 2. The \(40^{\text{th}}\) term is –196.

Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

Bonus Knowledge

To find the general term of the sequence, we start with the formula for the sum of the first \( n \) terms, \( S_n = \frac{n}{2}(3 - 5n) \). The general term \( a_n \) can be found using the relation \( a_n = S_n - S_{n-1} \). First, let's calculate \( S_{n-1} \): \[ S_{n-1} = \frac{(n-1)}{2}(3 - 5(n-1)) = \frac{(n-1)}{2}(3 - 5n + 5) = \frac{(n-1)}{2}(8 - 5n) \] Now, substituting \( S_n \) and \( S_{n-1} \) into \( a_n \): \[ a_n = S_n - S_{n-1} = \frac{n}{2}(3 - 5n) - \frac{(n-1)}{2}(8 - 5n) \] Expanding this we get: \[ = \frac{n(3 - 5n) - (n-1)(8 - 5n)}{2} \] Calculating inside the bracket: \[ = n(3 - 5n) - (8n - 8 + 5n^2 - 5n) = n(3 - 5n) - (3n - 8 + 5n^2) \] \[ = 3n - 5n^2 - 3n + 8 - 5n^2 \] Thus, \[ = 8 - 10n^2 \] This simplifies to: \[ = -5n + 8 \] So, the general term is: \[ a_n = 8 - 5n \] Now we need to calculate the 40th term \( a_{40} \): \[ a_{40} = 8 - 5(40) = 8 - 200 = -192 \] Therefore, the value of the 40th term is: \[ \boxed{-192} \]

Related Questions

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy