What is the error in this linear recurrence sequence?

In summary: Is that a statement or a question?It seems my misunderstanding here is the answer = -0.375I thought the answer should have been -375These solutions are not the same?In summary, the conversation discusses a linear recurrence sequence with the values 3, -1.5, 0.75, and -375. The sequence is a geometric progression with a first term of 3 and a common ratio of -0.5. The recurrence is given by the formula a(n+1) = -0.5 * a(n). After correcting a typo, the correct solution is -0.375, not -375.
  • #1
Casio1
86
0
I have a linear recurrence sequence,

3, -1.5, 0.75, -375

x = a

a = 3

x2, = -1.5, x3, = 0.75, x4 = -375...

x2 = rx1+d
x3 = rx2+d

-1.5 = 3r + d
0.75 = -1.5 + d

-1.5 - 0.75 = (3r + d) - (-1.5 + d)

r = - 0.5

Sub in equation (2)

d = -1.5 - 3r = -1.5 - 3(-0.5)
d = 0

x4 = -0.5 x 0.75 + 0 = -0.375

Answer should be = -375

Anyone see where I am going wrong!

P.S. I will practice the new form latex here as soon as I can.
 
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  • #2
Casio said:
-1.5 = 3r + d
0.75 = -1.5 + d

Anyone see where I am going wrong!

Shouldn't that 2nd equation be 0.75 = -1.5r + d ?
 
  • #3
Alexmahone said:
Shouldn't that 2nd equation be 0.75 = -1.5r + d ?

Thank you for that, typo error on my part, the result there = 0.75

But that is not helping me see where I am making a mistake?
 
  • #4
Casio said:
Thank you for that, typo error on my part, the result there = 0.75

But that is not helping me see where I am making a mistake?

So your sequence is a geometric progression with a=3 and r=-0.5. So I guess your answer of -0.375 is correct.
 
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  • #5
Alexmahone said:
So your sequence is a geometric progression with a=3 and r=-0.5. So I guess your answer of 0.375 is correct.

It seems my misunderstanding here is the answer = -0.375

I thought the answer should have been -375

These solutions are not the same?
 
  • #6
Hello, Casio!

I have a linear recurrence sequence: .$$$3,\;\text{-}1.5,\;0.75,\;\text{-}375$ .??

There is NO WAY that the sequence is: .$3,\;-1\!\!\frac{1}{2},\;\frac{3}{4},\;\color{red}{-375}\;\cdots $

. . That last term must be -0.375 . . .

We have a geometric sequence with first term $a = 3$ and common ratio $ r = -0.5$

The recurrence is: .$a_{n+1} \:=\:-0.5a_n$
 
  • #7
soroban said:
Hello, Casio!


There is NO WAY that the sequence is: .$3,\;-1\!\!\frac{1}{2},\;\frac{3}{4},\;\color{red}{-375}\;\cdots $

. . That last term must be -0.375 . . .

We have a geometric sequence with first term $a = 3$ and common ratio $ r = -0.5$

The recurrence is: .$a_{n+1} \:=\:-0.5a_n$

Very sorry, you are right I copied the sequence incorrectly?
 
  • #8
Casio said:
Very sorry, you are right I copied the sequence incorrectly?

Is that a statement or a question?
 

FAQ: What is the error in this linear recurrence sequence?

What is a linear recurrence sequence?

A linear recurrence sequence is a sequence of numbers where each term is calculated from the previous terms using a fixed linear formula. The formula typically involves a constant coefficient and a variable term that represents the previous term in the sequence.

How is a linear recurrence sequence different from other types of sequences?

Unlike other types of sequences, such as arithmetic or geometric sequences, a linear recurrence sequence does not have a fixed pattern or ratio between terms. Instead, the terms are generated using a recursive formula that depends on the previous terms.

What are some real-world applications of linear recurrence sequences?

Linear recurrence sequences have many applications in various fields such as computer science, physics, and finance. In computer science, they are used to model algorithms and analyze their performance. In physics, they can be used to describe the behavior of systems that exhibit repetitive patterns. In finance, they are used to model stock prices and interest rates.

Can linear recurrence sequences be solved analytically?

Yes, linear recurrence sequences can be solved analytically using techniques such as generating functions, characteristic equations, and matrix methods. These methods allow us to find a closed-form expression for the terms of the sequence, making it easier to analyze and understand its behavior.

Are there any famous linear recurrence sequences?

Yes, one famous example of a linear recurrence sequence is the Fibonacci sequence, where each term is the sum of the two previous terms. This sequence appears in nature, art, and many other areas and has been studied for centuries. Other well-known linear recurrence sequences include the Lucas sequence, Pell sequence, and Padovan sequence.

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