Arithmetic progression, Geometric progression and Harmonic progression

In summary, the conversation discusses using arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic sequences to build functions. The example provided shows how equations can be created using these sequences. However, not all functions can be created using these sequences as they are limited to integers and a limited set of functions.
  • #1
pairofstrings
411
7
TL;DR Summary
It looks as if the AP, GP, HP can be used to build any function.
How do I build functions by using Arithmetic Sequence, Geometric Sequence, Harmonic Sequence?
Is it possible to create all the possible function by using these sequences?

Thanks!
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
How do you "use a sequence to build a function"? What does that mean?
 
  • #3
Sequences are numbers with common difference. f(x) is a sequence and g(x) is a sequence. If there is common difference then there is consistency among numbers. If there is consistency among numbers then I can build an equation.
Example:
The values in the second column of the below table have consistent numbers for given input 'x' for drawing a graph of f(x) or g(x) .
So the equation is:

y = f(x) = x + 2;

xf(x) = y
-20
-11
02
13
24

y = g(x) = 3x + 2

xg(x) = y
-3-7
-2-4
-1-1
02
15
28
311

So, all functions have consistent numbers?
What about this:
gc.png
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Not all functions are one of these progressions. First of all, these progressions are only defined for integers, so you'll never catch functions defined on other sets, like the real numbers. But it doesn't even work for integers. Simple counterexamples are f(x)=x3 or g(x)=|x| or h(x)=sin(x). The Gaussian distribution you posted is a counterexample, too. Only a very limited set of functions can be made with the three progressions you listed.
 
  • #5
mfb said:
Only a very limited set of functions can be made with the three progressions you listed.
If there is a pattern of numbers that have consistent numbers in it then any function can be created. No?
 
Last edited:
  • #6
No.
 

FAQ: Arithmetic progression, Geometric progression and Harmonic progression

What is an Arithmetic Progression?

An Arithmetic Progression (AP) is a sequence of numbers in which the difference between any two consecutive terms is a constant value.

What is a Geometric Progression?

A Geometric Progression (GP) is a sequence of numbers in which the ratio between any two consecutive terms is a constant value.

What is a Harmonic Progression?

A Harmonic Progression (HP) is a sequence of numbers in which the reciprocal of each term is in Arithmetic Progression.

What is the formula for finding the nth term in an Arithmetic Progression?

The formula for finding the nth term in an Arithmetic Progression is:
an = a1 + (n-1)d
where a1 is the first term and d is the common difference.

What is the formula for finding the nth term in a Geometric Progression?

The formula for finding the nth term in a Geometric Progression is:
an = a1 * rn-1
where a1 is the first term and r is the common ratio.

Back
Top