An arithmetic sequence is defined by a formula that indicates how to generate its terms based on the variable n. In this case, the arithmetic sequence is given by the formula:
an = 2 + 3n + 1
First, simplify the formula:
an = 3n + 3
Now, let’s address the domain of n. The domain refers to the set of possible values that n can take. In the context of this arithmetic sequence, n typically represents the term number in the sequence, often starting from 0 or 1, depending on the context. Therefore, its values are usually non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, …).
For a clearer understanding:
- If n = 0, then a0 = 3(0) + 3 = 3.
- If n = 1, then a1 = 3(1) + 3 = 6.
- If n = 2, then a2 = 3(2) + 3 = 9.
Since n can increase indefinitely and does not encounter any restrictions in this arithmetic sequence formula, we can conclude that:
Domain of n: n ∈ {0, 1, 2, 3, …}
In interval notation, this can be expressed as:
Domain of n: [0, ∞)