Given the quadratic sequence: \( -5,12,27 \) 2.1 Determine the next two terms of the quadratic sequence \( \quad(2) \) 2.2 Determine the expression for the general term of the quadratic sequence 2.3 Which term(s) of the quadratic sequence has a value of 51 ? (3)
Real Tutor Solution
Answer
Solution
Sign in to Unlock Answers for Free!
A Learning Platform Trusted by Millions of Real Students and Teachers.
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
Extra Insights
To find the next two terms of the quadratic sequence \( -5, 12, 27 \), we first determine the pattern of the differences. The first differences are: \( 12 - (-5) = 17 \) \( 27 - 12 = 15 \) The second differences are: \( 15 - 17 = -2 \) Since the second differences are constant, this confirms it is a quadratic sequence. The next first difference would be \( 15 - 2 = 13 \). Adding this to the last term \( 27 \): Next term: \( 27 + 13 = 40 \) Now for the following term: First difference: \( 13 - 2 = 11 \) Next term: \( 40 + 11 = 51 \) So the next two terms are \( 40 \) and \( 51 \). Next, let's derive the general expression for the sequence. A quadratic sequence can be expressed as: \[ a_n = An^2 + Bn + C \] Using \( n = 1, 2, 3 \) for each term: 1. For \( n=1 \): \( A(1^2) + B(1) + C = -5 \) \\ 2. For \( n=2 \): \( A(2^2) + B(2) + C = 12 \) \\ 3. For \( n=3 \): \( A(3^2) + B(3) + C = 27 \) This gives us a system of equations: 1. \( A + B + C = -5 \) (1) 2. \( 4A + 2B + C = 12 \) (2) 3. \( 9A + 3B + C = 27 \) (3) Subtracting (1) from (2) and (1) from (3): From (2) - (1): \( 3A + B = 17 \) (4) From (3) - (1): \( 8A + 2B = 32 \) (5) simplify to \( 4A + B = 16 \) (6) Now subtract (4) from (6): \( (4A + B) - (3A + B) = 16 - 17 \) gives \( A = -1 \) Substituting \( A = -1 \) back into (4): \( 3(-1) + B = 17 \) gives \( B = 20 \) Substituting \( A \) and \( B \) into (1): \(-1 + 20 + C = -5\) gives \( C = -24 \) Therefore the general term expression is: \[ a_n = -n^2 + 20n - 24 \] To find which term of the sequence has a value of \( 51 \), we set the general term equal to \( 51 \): \[ -n^2 + 20n - 24 = 51 \] Simplifying gives: \[ -n^2 + 20n - 75 = 0 \] Multiplying through by -1: \[ n^2 - 20n + 75 = 0 \] Calculating the discriminant: \[ D = B^2 - 4AC = 20^2 - 4(1)(75) = 400 - 300 = 100 \] Taking the square root: \[ n = \frac{20 \pm \sqrt{100}}{2} = \frac{20 \pm 10}{2} \] This gives possible solutions: \[ n = 15 \quad \text{or} \quad n = 5 \] Thus, the terms \( a_5 \) and \( a_{15} \) both equal \( 51 \).