How do you find the first four terms of the sequence defined by the formula a₁ = 1 and aₙ = 4 aₙ₋₁?

To find the first four terms of the sequence defined by a1 = 1 and an = 4 an-1, we will start by computing each term step by step:

  1. First term (a1): By the given condition, we have:
    • a1 = 1
  2. Second term (a2): Using the formula an = 4 an-1, we calculate:
    • a2 = 4 a1 = 4 × 1 = 4
  3. Third term (a3): Now we compute:
    • a3 = 4 a2 = 4 × 4 = 16
  4. Fourth term (a4): Finally, we find:
    • a4 = 4 a3 = 4 × 16 = 64

Thus, the first four terms of the sequence are:

  • a1 = 1
  • a2 = 4
  • a3 = 16
  • a4 = 64

In summary, the first four terms are: 1, 4, 16, and 64.

Leave a Comment