Find the 18th term in the sequence:

In summary, the formula for finding the 18th term in a sequence is a<sub>n</sub> = a<sub>1</sub> + (n-1)d, where a<sub>n</sub> is the nth term, a<sub>1</sub> is the first term, and d is the common difference between terms. This formula can be used even if the common difference is not given, as long as there are at least two other terms in the sequence to determine the pattern and common difference. However, it only applies to arithmetic sequences. The purpose of finding the 18th term in a sequence is to understand patterns and relationships between numbers, and it can also be useful in predicting future terms
  • #1
karush
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Find the $18th$ term in the sequence:

$$\frac{1}{2},1,2 $$
$$a_1= \frac{1}{2}\ \ \ \ n=18\ \ \ \ r=2 $$
$$a_n=a_1\cdot r^{n-1}=131072$$
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
I'm thinking:

\(\displaystyle a_n=2^{n-2}\)

And so:

\(\displaystyle a_{18}=2^{16}=65536\)
 
  • #3
$$a_n=a_1 \cdot r^{n-1}$$

was the eq in the book unless the ratio is wrong
 
  • #4
\(\displaystyle a_n=\frac{1}{2}\cdot 2^{n-1}=\frac{2^{n-1}}{2}=2^{(n-1)-1}=2^{n-2}\)
 
  • #5
karush said:
$$a_n=a_1 \cdot r^{n-1}$$

was the eq in the book unless the ratio is wrong

No, that is correct...I just simplified:

\(\displaystyle a_n=a_1r^{n-1}=2^{-1}\cdot2^{n-1}=2^{n-2}\)
 
  • #6
ok got it..
 
Last edited:

Related to Find the 18th term in the sequence:

What is the formula for finding the 18th term in a sequence?

The formula for finding the 18th term in a sequence is an = a1 + (n-1)d, where an is the nth term, a1 is the first term, and d is the common difference between terms.

Can the 18th term be found if the common difference is not given?

Yes, the 18th term can still be found if the common difference is not given. However, you would need at least two other terms in the sequence to find the pattern and determine the common difference.

Is it possible to find the 18th term if the sequence is not arithmetic?

It is not possible to find the 18th term if the sequence is not arithmetic. This formula only applies to arithmetic sequences, which have a constant difference between terms.

What is the purpose of finding the 18th term in a sequence?

Finding the 18th term in a sequence can help determine patterns and relationships between numbers. This can be useful in predicting future terms in the sequence or understanding the behavior of the sequence.

Are there any other methods for finding the 18th term in a sequence?

Yes, there are other methods such as using the explicit formula an = a1rn-1, where r is the common ratio in a geometric sequence. Additionally, for more complex sequences, computer programs and algorithms can be used to find the 18th term.

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