37. Write a formula for the sequence below, then find \( a_{34} \). \[ \{-2,5,12,19, \ldots\} \]
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The Deep Dive
To find a formula for the given sequence \(\{-2, 5, 12, 19, \ldots\}\), we start by determining the pattern. The differences between consecutive terms are \(7, 7, 7, \ldots\), which indicates that this is an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of \(7\). The general formula for an arithmetic sequence is given by: \[ a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d \] Where \(a_1\) is the first term and \(d\) is the common difference. Here, \( a_1 = -2 \) and \( d = 7 \). Substituting these values into the formula, we get: \[ a_n = -2 + (n-1) \cdot 7 \] \[ a_n = -2 + 7n - 7 \] \[ a_n = 7n - 9 \] Now, to find \( a_{34} \): \[ a_{34} = 7(34) - 9 \] \[ a_{34} = 238 - 9 \] \[ a_{34} = 229 \] So, the formula for the sequence is \(a_n = 7n - 9\) and \(a_{34} = 229\).