3.

Sequences
• Sequences
• Arithmetic sequences
• Geometric sequences
• Jumping to later terms of arithmetic
and geometric sequences
• Growth and decay – again!
• Miscellaneous exercise three
 Situation One
Rabbits
The Fibonacci sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, … is named after the Italian mathematician Leonardo
Fibonacci (1170 – 1240). The sequence occurs in many number patterns associated with nature.
One example involving rabbits is shown here. Commencing with one pair of rabbits, we assume
that these rabbits will be adults after 1 month and will produce a pair of baby rabbits each month
after that.

Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6

Pair of baby Pair of adult Pair of adult Pair of adult Pair of adult Pair of adult
rabbits rabbits rabbits rabbits rabbits rabbits

Pair of baby Pair of baby Pair of baby Pair of baby

rabbits rabbits rabbits rabbits

Pair of adult Pair of adult Pair of adult

rabbits rabbits rabbits

Pair of adult Pair of adult

rabbits rabbits

Pair of baby Pair of baby

rabbits rabbits

Pair of adult
rabbits

Pair of baby
rabbits

Pair of adult
rabbits
1 pair 1 pair 2 pairs 3 pairs 5 pairs 8 pairs

Notice that in the number sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …

each number, after the first two ones, is the sum of the previous two numbers.
1+1= 2
1 + 2 =   3
2 + 3 =   5
3 + 5 =   8
Shutterstock.com/amenic 181

5 + 8 = 13

a Write the next five numbers in this sequence.

b Use the internet to investigate real world applications
of the Fibonacci sequence of numbers.

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 39

 Situation Two
Hexagonal patchworks
Patchwork one shown on the right has a central hexagon and a ring
of hexagons around it.
Placing a second ring of hexagons around Patchwork one gives
Patchwork two shown below left and a further ring of hexagons
around Patchwork two gives Patchwork three shown below right.

For the three patchworks shown above,

consider things like:
• the number of hexagons in the outer
ring of each patchwork
• the number of hexagonal pieces in each
patchwork
• the number of edges that form the
Shutterstock.com/Maria Dryfhout

border of each patchwork

• other aspects you may think of
and use your answers to try to predict what
numbers the next few patchworks in the
continuing pattern would have for these
things.

40 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

Sequences WS

Consider the following table of values for the linear function y = 3x + 2.

Classifying sequences

x 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
y 8 11 14 17 20 23 26

All pairs (x, y) in the table fit the rule y = 3x + 2

For example, for (2, 8) 8 = 3(2) + 2
for (3, 11) 11 = 3(3) + 2
for (4, 14) 14 = 3(4) + 2 etc.
However let us now just consider the sequence of y-values, i.e.
8   11   14   17   20   23   26
Note
• A sequence is a set of items belonging in a certain order, according to some rule. Knowing
sufficient items, and the rule that is involved, the next item can be determined.
• In this course we will concentrate on number sequences.
• We refer to each number in the sequence as a term of the sequence. Thus, in the above sequence
the first term is 8, the second term is 11, the third term is 14, the fourth term is 17 and so on.
• Writing T1 for the first term, T2 for the second term and so on, we have:
T1 = 8   T2 = 11   T3 = 14   T4 = 17   T5 = 20   T6 = 23   T7 = 26
• The situations at the beginning of this chapter involved sequences of numbers, for example the
Fibonacci sequence:
1   1   2   3   5   8   13   …
• Whilst we usually use T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, … (or perhaps t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, … ) for the terms of a
sequence, other letters may be used at times. For example, for the terms of the Fibonacci sequence,
we might use F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, … Some calculators may use U or a, or some other letter.

EXAMPLE 1

For the sequence 3, 10, 31, 94, 283, 850, 2551, … determine
a T3 b
T5 c
T3 + T5 d 3T2 e
2T3 f
T8

Solution
a T3 is the 3rd term in the sequence. Thus T3 = 31.
b T5 is the 5th term in the sequence. Thus T5 = 283.
c 3T2 = 3(10) e
T3 + T5 = 31 + 283 d 2T3 = 2(31)
= 314 = 30 = 62
f
Noticing that each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by 3 and then adding 1,
it follows that T8 = 3(T7) + 1
= 3(2551) + 1
= 7654.

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 41

 Exercise 3A
For the sequence 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, … determine

1 T3 2 T5 3 T3 + T5 4 T8

5 3T2 6 2T3 7 3(T1 + T2) 8 3T1 + T2

11 (T3 ) 12 (T2 )
2 3
9 T9 10 T10

For the sequence 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, … determine

13 T2 14 T6 15 T2 + T6 16 T8

17 T9 18 T3 + 2T1 19 T1 + 2T3 20 (T3 – T2)2

For the sequence 2, 6, 18, 54, 162, 486, 1458, … determine

21 T5 22 3T2 23 T1 + T2 + T3 24 T8

Using Cn for the nth term of the cubic numbers 1, 8, 27, 64, 125, … determine

25 C3 26 C6 27 C7 28 C6 – C5

The Lucas sequence follows the same rule as the Fibonacci sequence, i.e. each term after the first
two is the sum of the previous two terms. Using Ln for the nth term of the Lucas sequence and given
that L1 = 1 and L2 = 3, determine

31 ( L4 )
2
29 L3 30 L4 32 2L8

WS
Arithmetic sequences x 1 2 3 4 5 6

Notice that in the table of values on the right, as the x-values y 1 3 5 7 9 11

Arithmetic progressions
increase by 1 the y-values increase by 2. As we would expect from
y
this constant first difference pattern of 2, graphing gives points 11
WS that lie in a straight line and the gradient of the line is 2. 10
Sequences of numbers in which each term is obtained from 9
Arithmetic sequences
8
the previous term by the addition of some constant number are said to be
7
Arithmetic Sequences, 6
Arithmetic Progressions 5
4
or simply APs.
3
For example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, … 2
In this case we say that the first term is 1 and the common difference is 1. 1
x
Similarly for the AP: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, …
1 2 3 4 5 6
we say that the first term is 1 and the common difference is 2.
For 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, …
the first term is 7 and the common difference is 4.
For 67, 62, 57, 52, 47, 42, …
the first term is 67 and the common difference is –5.

42 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

Thus all arithmetic sequences are of the form:
a,  a + d,  a + 2d,  a + 3d,  a + 4d,  a + 5d,  a + 6d,  …
In this general form we have a first term of ‘a’ and common difference ‘d’.
Consider again the arithmetic sequence:
1,  3,  5,  7,  9,  11,  …
Each term is obtained by adding 2 to the previous term. Thus, if Tn is the nth term, it follows that the
next term, Tn + 1 , will be Tn + 2.
Hence, for this sequence Tn + 1 = Tn + 2 (or tn + 1 = tn + 2).
For the general arithmetic sequence at the top of the page
T n + 1 = Tn + d (or tn + 1 = tn + d).
This rule tells us how the terms of the sequence recur. It is the recursive rule or recursive equation for the
sequence. Given this rule and one term, usually the first, all other terms of the sequence can be determined.

EXAMPLE 2
A sequence is such that Tn + 1 = Tn + 5 and the first term, T1, is 7. Find the first four terms of the sequence.

Solution
The recursive definition informs us that each term is the previous term add 5.
Hence, if  T1 = 7,
it follows that T2 = 7 + 5 T3 = 12 + 5 T4 = 17 + 5
= 12 = 17 = 22
The first four terms of the sequence are 7, 12, 17, 22.

EXAMPLE 3
For each of the following sequences, state whether the sequence is an AP or not and, for those that
are, state the first term, the common difference and a recursive formula.
a 13, 18, 23, 28, 33, 38, … ,
b  3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, … ,
c 90, 79, 68, 57, 46, 35, … ,

Solution
a Each term is 5 more than the previous term. Thus the sequence is an arithmetic progression.
First term = 13
Common difference = 5
Recursive formula: Tn + 1 = Tn + 5
b The terms do not have a common difference. Thus the sequence is not an arithmetic progression.
c Each term is 11 less than the previous term. Thus the sequence is an arithmetic progression.
First term = 90
Common difference = –11
Recursive formula: Tn + 1 = Tn – 11

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 43

 Note:  The recursive rule from part a in the previous example, i.e.
Tn + 1 = Tn + 5
could equally well be written in the form
Tn = Tn – 1 + 5.
Both expressions tell us the same thing, i.e. that each term of the sequence is obtained by
adding 5 to the previous term.

EXAMPLE 4
A sequence is defined by Tn = 3Tn – 1 – 2 with T1 = 5. Determine the first five terms of this sequence
and hence determine whether the sequence is an arithmetic sequence or not.

Solution
The formula Tn = 3Tn – 1 – 2 tells us that each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by
3 and then subtracting 2.
Thus, if T1 = 5, it follows that
T2 = 3(5) – 2 = 13,
T3 = 3(13) – 2 = 37,
T4 = 3(37) – 2 = 109,
T5 = 3(109) – 2 = 325.
The first five terms are 5, 13, 37, 109, 325.
5 13 37 109 325
These terms do not have a common difference.
The sequence is not an arithmetic sequence. 8 24 72 216

Alternatively, for the previous example, a calculator could be used to

display the terms of the sequence, once an appropriate recursive rule □
✓ a
n+1 = 3·an – 2
a1 = 5
and first term have been entered.
□ bn+1 = □
b1 = 0
□ cn+1 = □
c1 = 0

n an
1   5
2  13
3  37
4 109
5 325

44 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

Notice that the display on the right is similar to that shown on the
previous page but now the progressive sums (also called partial sums) □
✓ a
n+1 = 3·an – 2
a1 = 5
of the terms are also displayed.
□ bn+1 = □
T1 = 5 b1 = 0
T1 + T2 = 5 + 13 = 18 □ cn+1 = □
c1 = 0
T1 + T2 + T3 = 5 + 13 + 37 = 55
n an ∑an
T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 = 5 + 13 + 37 + 109 = 164 1   5   5
2  13  18
T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5 = 5 + 13 + 37 + 109 + 325 = 489
3  37  55
Calculators differ in the way they accept and display such information. 4 109 164
If you wish to use a calculator in this way, make sure that you can use 5 325 489
your calculator to input recursive formulae and to display the terms of
a sequence.
Spreadsheets are another way of displaying the terms of a recursively defined sequence as shown below
for the sequence with recursive definition
Tn + 1 = 2Tn + 1 with T1 = 3

A B C D
1 3 3
2 7 10
= 2*A3 + 1
3 15 25
4 31 56
= Sum (A$1:A6)
5 63 119
6 127 246
7 255 501 What does the
8 511 1012 inclusion of the
$ symbol do?
9 1023 2035
10 2047 4082

Note that this sequence is not an arithmetic sequence – the entries in column A do not display a
common difference pattern.
Once again, the progressive sums (or partial sums) can easily be shown, as in column B.
Create the spreadsheet yourself and use the ‘fill down’ ability when creating it.

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 45

 WS
Geometric sequences x 1 2 3 4 5 6

Notice that in the table of values on the right, as the x-values y 3 6 12 24 48 96

Geometric
progressions 1 increase by 1 the y-values multiply by 2. As we would expect
from this constant ratio of successive y-values, graphing gives y

the characteristic shape of an exponential function. 100

WS
Sequences that progress by each term being obtained by multiplying 90
Geometric 80
progressions 2 the previous term by a constant number are said to be
70
Geometric sequences, 60
WS Geometric progressions, 50
40
Geometric sequences or simply GPs.
30
For example, 5, 15, 45, 135, 405, 1215, … 20
In this case we say that the first term is 5 and the common ratio is 3. 10
x
Similarly, for the GP: 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, … 1 2 3 4 5 6
we say that the first term is 0.5 and the common ratio is 2.
For 1000, 100, 10, 1, 0.1, 0.01, …
the first term is 1000 and the common ratio is 0.1.
For 64, 96, 144, 216, 324, 486, …
the first term is 64 and the common ratio is 1.5.
Thus all GPs are of the form:
a, ar, ar2, ar3, ar4, ar5, ar6, …
In this general form we have a first term of ‘a’ and common ratio ‘r’.
Using recursive notation, we have Tn + 1 = r × Tn with T1 = a, (or tn + 1 = rtn, t1 = a).

EXAMPLE 5
For each of the following sequences state whether the sequence is a geometric sequence or not and,
for those that are, state the first term, the common ratio and a recursive formula.
a 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, …,
b 128, 96, 72, 54, 40.5, 30.375, …,
c 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, …,

Solution
6 12 24 48 96
a = 2, = 2, = 2, = 2, = 2.
3 6 12 24 48
Each term is the previous term multiplied by 2.
Thus the sequence is a geometric sequence.
First term = 3
Common ratio = 2
Recursive formula: Tn + 1 = 2Tn
(or Tn = 2Tn – 1)

46 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

 96 72 54 40.5 30.375
b = 0.75, = 0.75, = 0.75, = 0.75, = 0.75.
128 96 72 54 40.5
Each term is the previous term multiplied by 0.75.
Thus the sequence is a geometric sequence.
First term = 128
Common ratio = 0.75
Recursive formula: Tn = 0.75Tn – 1

9 14
c = 2.25, = 1. 5 .
4 9
The sequence does not have a common ratio.
Thus the sequence is not a geometric sequence.

EXAMPLE 6
$400 is invested in an account and earns $20 interest each year.
a How much is the account worth after 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 4 years?
b Do the amounts the account is worth at the end of each year form an arithmetic sequence,
a geometric sequence or neither of these?

Solution

a Initial Value after Value after Value after Value after

value 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years …
$400 $400 + 1($20) $400 + 2($20) $400 + 3($20) $400 + 4($20) …
$400 $420 $440 $460 $480 …

After 1, 2, 3 and 4 years the account is worth $420, $440, $460 and $480 respectively.
b The situation gives rise to amounts with a common difference of $20.
The amounts the account is worth at the end of each year form an arithmetic sequence.

As you are probably aware, the situation described in the previous example is not the way that an
investment usually earns interest. Once the $20 interest has been added at the end of year 1, the
account has $420 in it and it is this $420 that attracts interest in year 2, not just the initial $400.
In this way, the interest earned in one year itself attracts interest in subsequent years, i.e. compound
interest is involved, rather than the simple interest situation described in the previous example.

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 47

 EXAMPLE 7
$2000 is invested and accrues interest at a rate of 10% per annum, compounded annually.
a If no further deposits are made, how much will be in the account after 1 year, 2 years, 3 years
and 4 years?
b Do the amounts the account is worth at the end of each year form an arithmetic sequence,
a geometric sequence or neither of these?

Solution

a Initial Value after Value after Value after Value after …

value 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years
$2000 $2000 × 1.1 $2000 × 1.12 $2000 × 1.13 $2000 × 1.14 …
$2000 $2200 $2420 $2662 $2928.20 …

After 1, 2, 3 and 4 years the account is worth $2200, $2420, $2662 and $2928.20 respectively.
b The situation gives rise to amounts with a common ratio of 1.1.
The amounts the account is worth at the end of each year form a geometric sequence.

Exercise 3B
For each of the following arithmetic sequences state
• the first term, T1
and • the (n + 1)th term, Tn + 1, in terms of the nth term, Tn .

1
6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, …

2
28, 26, 24, 22, 20, 18, …

3
5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, …

4
7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, …

5
100, 89, 78, 67, 56, 45, …

For each of the following geometric sequences state

• the first term, T1,
and • the nth term, Tn, in terms of the (n – 1)th term, Tn – 1 .

6
6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 192, …

7 0.375, 1.5, 6, 24, 96, 384, …

8 384, 96, 24, 6, 1.5, 0.375, …

9 50, 150, 450, 1350, 4050, 12 150, …

10
1000, 1100, 1210, 1331, 1464.1, 1610.51, …

48 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

For each of the following sequences, state whether the sequence is arithmetic, geometric or neither
of these two types.

11 2, 5, 11, 23, 47, 95, …

12 1, 5, 25, 125, 625, 3125, …

13 13, 14.5, 16, 17.5, 19, 20.5, …

14
50, 39, 28, 17, 6, –5, …

15
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, …

16
128, 160, 200, 250, 312.5, 390.625, …

17 Tn + 1 = 3Tn, T1 = 3.

18 Tn + 1 = Tn + 6, T1 = 2.

19 Tn + 1 = 3Tn + 5, T1 = 1.

20 Tn = (Tn – 1)2, T1 = 7.

21 Tn = Tn – 1 – 8, T1 = 2000.

22 Tn = (0.5)Tn – 1, T1 = 8.

23 An AP has a first term of 8 and a common difference of 3. Determine the first four terms of the
sequence and the recursive rule for Tn + 1 in terms of Tn .

24 An AP has a first term of 100 and a common difference of –3. Determine the first four terms of
the sequence and the recursive rule for Tn + 1 in terms of Tn .

25 A GP has a first term of 11 and a common ratio of 2. Determine the first four terms of the
sequence and the recursive rule for Tn + 1 in terms of Tn .

26 A GP has a first term of 2048 and a common ratio of 0.5. Determine the first four terms of the
sequence and the recursive rule for Tn + 1 in terms of Tn .

27 The graph on the right shows the number of vehicles Number sold
11 000
a company sold in a particular country each year from
10 000
2011 to 2014.
9 000 8 400
a Verify that the figures for these years are in 8 000 7 600
arithmetic progression. 7 000 6 800
6 000
b With N2011 = 6000, write a recursive rule for 6 000
5 000
Nn + 1 in terms of Nn.
4 000
3 000
2 000
1 000
Year

2011 2012 2013 2014

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 49

 28 Each term of a sequence is obtained using the recursive rule
Tn = Tn – 1 + 10% of Tn – 1
a Is the sequence an arithmetic progression, a geometric progression or neither of these?
b If the first term of the sequence is 500, find the next three terms.

29 Each term of a sequence is obtained using the recursive rule

Tn = Tn – 1 + 25% of Tn – 1
a Is the sequence an arithmetic progression, a geometric progression or neither of these?
b If the first term of the sequence is 1000, find the next three terms.

30 Each term of a sequence is obtained using the recursive rule

Tn = Tn – 1 – 10% of Tn – 1
a Is the sequence an arithmetic progression, a geometric progression or neither of these?
b If the first term of the sequence is 24 000, find the next three terms.

31 The graph on the right indicates the first five terms, T1 to T5, of a Tn
sequence, all of which are whole numbers. 25
State a the first term and a recursive rule for the sequence, 20
b whether the sequence is arithmetic, geometric or
15
neither of these types.
10

5
n
1 2 3 4 5

32 The graph on the right indicates the first five terms, T1 to T5, Tn
of a sequence. The last four of these terms are whole numbers. 25
State a the first term and a recursive rule for the sequence, 20
b whether the sequence is arithmetic, geometric
15
or neither of these types.
10

5
n
1 2 3 4 5

33 The graph on the right indicates the first five terms, T1 to T5, 40
Tn
of a sequence. All of these terms are whole numbers.
30
Determine a the first five terms,
b
whether the sequence is arithmetic, 20
geometric or neither of these types. 10
n
1 2 3 4 5

50 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

34 $1200 is invested in an account and earns $96 interest each year.
a How much is the account worth after 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 4 years?
b Are these amounts an arithmetic progression, geometric progression or neither of these?
c Express the sequence of values:
Initial value, value after 1 year, value after 2 years, …
using recursive notation.

35 The number of stitches in each row of a particular crochet 1st row + + + +

2nd row + + + + +
pattern are as shown on the right.
3rd row + + + + + +
With T1 the number of stitches in the first row, T2 the 4th row + + + + + + +
number in the second row, etc., express the sequence
T1,  T2,  T3,  T4,  T5, …
using recursive notation (i.e., state T1 and the recursive rule).

36 Won Yim starts working for a particular company on the 1st January one year and is paid an
initial annual salary of $45 000 with a guaranteed $1500 rise each year for the next 7 years.
Express the sequence of annual salaries over this time as a sequence using recursive notation
and state whether the terms of the sequence progress arithmetically, geometrically or neither
of these.

37 Joe started a new job on 1 January 2014 and, during 2014, he received a salary of $68 000.
His contract guarantees a salary increase of 5% of the salary of the previous year on each
subsequent 1 January, until and including 1 January 2017. Calculate Joe’s salary for each
year from 2014 to 2017.
Express the sequence of salaries from 2014 (term one) to 2017 (term four) using recursive
notation.

38 $1500 is invested and accrues interest at a rate of 8% per annum, compounded annually. With
this $1500 as the first term in the sequence, express the value of the account on this and each
subsequent year as a sequence defined recursively.

39 Each year the value of a car depreciates by 15% of its value at the beginning of that year. The car
is initially worth $36 000. With this $36 000 as the first term, express the value of the car on this
and each subsequent year as a sequence defined recursively.
Shutterstock.com/G-Valeriy

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 51

 Jumping to later terms of arithmetic and
geometric sequences

Shutterstock.com/Chris Howey
T1, T2, T3, .... .... T100
Consider the arithmetic sequence defined by
Tn + 1 = Tn + 2 and T1 = 3
The rule allows us to obtain the terms of the sequence:
T1 = 3
T2 = T1 + 2 = 3 + 2 = 5
T3 = T2 + 2 = 5 + 2 = 7
T4 = T3 + 2 = 7 + 2 = 9   etc.
However, if we wanted to know the value of a term much later in the sequence, say T100, it would be
a tedious process to have to calculate all of the terms up to T100. It would be more useful if we could
jump to the desired term without having to determine all of the preceding ones.

EXAMPLE 8
For the sequence defined recursively as Tn + 1 = Tn + 7 with T1 = 25, determine the first four terms
and the one hundredth term.

Solution
With  Tn + 1 = Tn + 7,  it follows that T2 = T1 + 7
= 32
T3 = T2 + 7
= 39
T4 = T3 + 7
= 46
Notice that by the second term we have added 7 once, by the third term we have added 7 twice, by
the fourth term we have added 7 three times. It follows that for the one hundredth term we need
to have added 7 ninety-nine times.
Hence T100 = T1 + 99(7)
= 25 + 693
= 718.
The first four terms are 25, 32, 39 and 46 and the one hundredth term is 718.

52 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

If we apply the thinking used in the previous example to the general arithmetic sequence
a,  a + d,  a + 2d,  a + 3d,  a + 4d,  a + 5d, …
we note that for T2 the common difference, d, has been added once, for T3 it has been added twice, for
T4 it has been added three times, and so on. Thus, for Tn we need to add the common difference (n – 1)
times.
Thus, the arithmetic progression
a,  a + d,  a + 2d,  a + 3d,  a + 4d,  a + 5d, …
has an nth term given by:

Tn = a + (n – 1)d  or  tn = t1 + (n – 1)d

Just pause for a moment and check that you understand the difference between a recursive formula,
which tells you how each term is obtained from the previous term, and the formula for the nth term,
which allows you to determine any term.
Note:  Thinking of Tn as y, and n as x, the reader should see similarities between
Tn = a + (n – 1)d  and  y = mx + c.
This is no surprise given the linear nature of arithmetic sequences.

EXAMPLE 9
For the AP: 11, 14, 17, 20, …
Determine  a T123
b
T500
c
which term of the sequence is the first to exceed 1 000 000.

Solution
a T123 = 11 + 122(3)
= 377
b T500 = 11 + 499(3)
= 1508
c Suppose that Tn is the first term to exceed 1 000 000.
Now Tn = 11 + (n – 1)3
\ 11 + (n – 1)3 > 1 000 000
i.e., n > 333 330. 6
Thus, the first term to exceed 1 000 000 is T333 331.

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 53

 EXAMPLE 10
An AP has a 50th term of 209 and a 61st term of 253. Find
a the 62nd term b the 1st term.

Solution
a To go from T50 to T61 we must add the common difference 11 times.
Thus, if d is the common difference, then 253 – 209 = 11d
\ 44 = 11d
giving d=4
Hence T62 = T61 + 4
= 257
The 62nd term is 257.
b From our understanding of APs, it follows that T50 = T1 + 49d
\ 209 = T1 + 49(4)
209 – 196 = T1
T1 = 13
The 1st term is 13.

Note
Alternatively, we could use the given information to write
a + 49d = 209
and  a + 60d = 253
and then solve these equations simultaneously.

EXAMPLE 11
For the sequence defined recursively as Tn + 1 = 1.5Tn with T1 = 8192, determine the first four terms
and the fifteenth term.
Solution
With  Tn + 1 = 1.5Tn,  it follows that
T2 = 1.5T1 T3 = 1.5T2 T4 = 1.5T3
= 8192 × 1.5 = 12 288 × 1.5 = 18 432 × 1.5
= 12 288 = 18 432 = 27 648
Note that for the second term we multiply by 1.5 once, for the third term we multiply by 1.5 twice,
for the fourth term we multiply by 1.5 three times. It follows that for the fifteenth term we need to
multiply by 1.5 fourteen times.
Hence T15 = T1 × 1.514
= 8192 × 1.514
= 2 391 484.5
The first four terms are 8192, 12 288, 18 432 and 27 648. The fifteenth term is 2 391 484.5.

54 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

 Make sure you can obtain this
same value for the fifteenth term □
✓ a
n+1 = 1.5an
of the sequence of the previous a1 = 8192
example by using a calculator □ bn+1 = □
to display terms of the sequence. b1 = 0
Are the larger numbers displayed □ cn+1 = □
as shown on the right or does c1 = 0
you calculator use scientific n an
notation to display these
11 472392
numbers?
12 708588
13 1062882
14 1594323
15 2391484.5

If we apply the thinking of the previous example to the general geometric sequence:
a,  ar,  ar2,  ar3,  ar4,  ar5,  ar6,  …
we note that T2 is ar , T3 is ar2, T4 is ar3, etc. Thus, Tn = arn –1.
1

Thus the geometric progression

a,  ar,  ar2,  ar3,  ar4,  ar5,  ar6,  …
has an nth term given by:

Tn = a × r n – 1  or  tn = t1r n – 1

Note: Thinking of Tn as y, and n as x, the reader should see similarities between

Tn = a × rn – 1   and   y = k × bx.
Again, no surprise given the exponential nature of geometric sequences.

EXAMPLE 12
Determine the 12th term and the 15th term of the geometric sequence:
0.0025,  0.01,  0.04,  0.16,  …

Solution
By inspection, the common ratio is 4.
Hence the 12th term will be 0.0025 × 411
= 10 485.76
and the 15th term will be 0.0025 × 414
= 671 088.64
Again, make sure that you can obtain these same answers using the ability of some calculators to
display the terms of a sequence.

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 55

 EXAMPLE 13
The 13th term of a GP is 12 288 and the 16th term is 98 304. Find
a the 17th term b the 1st term.

Solution
a To go from the 13th term to the 16th term we must multiply by the common ratio 3 times.
If r is the common ratio, then T16 = T13 × r3
\ 98 304 = 12 288 × r3
Giving r=2
Hence T17 = T16 × 2
= 196 608
The 17th term is 196 608.
b From our understanding of GPs, it follows that T13 = T1 × r12
i.e. 12 288 = T1 × 212
Giving T1 = 3
The 1st term is 3.
(Alternatively, we could write ar12 = 12 288 and ar15 = 98 304 and solve simultaneously.)

WS
Growth and decay – again!
Consider the growth in the value of a house that is initially valued at $500 000 and is subject to an
Modelling arithmetic
and geometric annual increase in value of 6.4%.
sequences

Initial value = $500 000 ←  T1

Value after 1 year = $500 000 × 1.064 ←  T2
2
Value after 2 years = $500 000 × 1.064 ←  T3
3
Value after 3 years = $500 000 × 1.064 ←  T4,  etc.
These values form a geometric sequence with
Tn + 1 = Tn × 1.064  and  T1 = 500 000
Asked a question like: At this rate how many years will it take for the value of this house to reach a value of
$1 000 000?
We could use our ability to solve exponential equations, as covered in earlier chapters, and recognising
that after x years the value will be $500 000 × 1.064x, simply ask a calculator to solve the equation
$500 000 × 1.064x = $1 000 000
To obtain the value x = 11.17  (correct to 2 decimal places)
Hence the value of the house will be $1 000 000 shortly after the end of the 11th year, i.e. early in the
12th year.
Alternatively, if we wanted to see the progressive year by year values, we could display the terms of our
sequence on a calculator or spreadsheet, as shown on the next page.

56 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

 A B C D
1
2
Initial value
Percentage increase
$500,000.00
6.40
□ a = a ·1.064
✓
n+1 n
a = 500000

4
3 Value at end of year 1
2
$532,000.00
$566,048.00
□ b = □ 1
n+1
b = 0
5
6
3
4
$602,275.07
$640,820.68
□ c = □ 1
n+1

7 5 $681,833.20 c1 = 0
8 6 $725,470.52
n an
9 7 $771,900.64
10 8 $821,302.28 9 8.2Ε+5
11 9 $873,865.63 10 8.7Ε+5
12 10 $929,793.03 11 9.3Ε+5
13 11 $989,299.78 12 9.9Ε+5
14 12 $1,052,614.96 13 1.1Ε+6

1052614.96443211

Create a spreadsheet like that shown above yourself.

As before, the value of the house will be $1 000 000 shortly after the end of the eleventh year, i.e. early
in the 12th year.
However, note carefully that in this situation, with the recursive definition
Tn + 1 = Tn × 1.064  and  T1 = 500 000
T1 is the value after zero years. Hence we must remember that if we use the ability of a calculator to
generate the terms of the sequence, according to the recursive rule given above, then the balance after
n years will be given by Tn + 1. That is, in the calculator display above, n = 13 gives the value at the end
of 12 years.
One way to avoid this possible source of confusion would be to use the
ability of some calculators to accept a sequence defined using T0 as the □ a = a ·1.064
✓
n+1 n
a = 500000
1st term.
□ b = □ 0
n+1
That is, define the sequence as: b = 0
Tn + 1 = Tn × 1.064  and  T0 = 500 000,
□ c = □ 0
n+1
c0 = 0
as shown on the right.
n an
Under such a definition Tn would indeed be the value after n years. 8 8.2Ε+5
9 8.7Ε+5
Alternatively, we could use
10 9.3Ε+5
Tn + 1 = Tn × 1.064  and  T1 = 500 000 × 1.064 11 9.9Ε+5
12 1.1Ε+6
and again Tn would be the value after n years.
1052614.96443211

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 57

 Exercise 3C
Without using the sequence display routine available on some calculators, determine the one-hundredth
term in each of the following arithmetic sequences.
1
11, 16, 21, 26, 31, 36, …
2
–8, –5, –2, 1, 4, 7, …
3 Tn + 1 = Tn + 8 with T1 = 23.
4 Tn + 1 = Tn – 2 with T1 = 78.

Without using the sequence display routine available on some calculators, determine the twenty-fifth
term in each of the following geometric sequences, leaving your answers in the form a × bn.
5
5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, …
6
1.5, 6, 24, 96, 384, 1536, …
7 Tn + 1 = 3Tn with T1 = 8.
8 Tn + 1 = 2Tn with T1 = 11.

Use the ability of some calculators to display the terms of a sequence to determine the requested term
in each of the following sequences.
9 Tn + 1 = Tn + 8 with T1 = 7. Determine T28.
10 Tn + 1 = 35 – 2Tn with T1 = 5. Determine T20.
11 Tn + 1 = 3Tn + 2 with T1 = 1. Determine T19.
12 Tn + 1 = (–1)n Tn + 3 with T1 = 6. Determine T45.
13 Julie starts a new job at a factory manufacturing
automobile components. The machine she operates

Shutterstock.com/Vasily Smirnov
requires several weeks before the operator is fully
accustomed to it and so her output increases each
day for the first 3 weeks (15 days). On the first day
she successfully completes 48 items on the machine
and increases this by 3 each day after that up to and
including her 15th day on the machine.
Express the number of items completed on each of the first 15 days as a sequence using
recursive notation.
How many items does she successfully complete on this 15th day on the machine?
14 Use the formula for the nth term of an AP with common difference d and T1 = a, i.e. the formula
Tn = a + (n – 1)d, to explain why for this AP, when we plot Tn on the y-axis and n on the x-axis, the
points obtained lie on a straight line of gradient d. Find the coordinates of the point where this
straight line cuts the y-axis.
15 Use the formula for the nth term of a GP with common ratio r and T1 = a to explain why for this
GP, when we plot Tn on the y-axis and n on the x-axis, the points obtained fit an exponential curve.
Find the equation of this curve and the coordinates of the point where it cuts the y-axis.

58 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

 16 Write a few sentences explaining what happens to the terms of the following arithmetic
progression as n → ∞.
T1 = a,  T2 = a + d,  T3 = a + 2d,  T4 = a + 3d,  ….  Tn = a + (n – 1)d,  ….

17 Write a few sentences explaining what happens to the terms of the following geometric
progression as n → ∞.
T1 = a,  T2 = ar,  T3 = ar2,  T4 = ar3,  ….  Tn = arn – 1,  ….

18 An arithmetic sequence has a first term of 8 and a common difference of 3. Determine the first
four terms, the 50th term and the 100th term of the sequence.

19 An arithmetic sequence has a first term of 100 and a common difference of –3. Determine the
first four terms, the 50th term and the 100th term of this sequence.

20 A geometric sequence has a first term of 11 and a common ratio of 2. Determine the first four
terms, the 15th term and the 25th term of this sequence.

21 A geometric sequence has a first term of 2048 and a common ratio of 0.5. Determine the first
four terms and the 16th term of this sequence.

22 Find an expression for Tn in terms of n for each of the following APs.

a 9, 15, 21, 27, 33, …
b 7, 8.5, 10, 11.5, 13, …

23 Find an expression for Tn in terms of n for each of the following GPs.

a 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, …
b 100, 110, 121, 133.1, 146.41, …

24 For the arithmetic sequence:  2,  9,  16,  23,  …

Determine a T123
b T500
c which term of the sequence is the first to exceed 1 000 000.

25 For the geometric sequence:  0.0026,  0.013,  0.065,  0.325,  …

Determine a T12
b which term of the sequence is the first to exceed 1 000 000.

26 For the GP: 20 000 000,   15 000 000,   11 250 000,   8 437 500,   …

Determine a T12, giving your answer to the nearest hundred
b which term of the sequence is the first less than 1.

27 The nth term of a sequence is given by Tn = n3. Obtain the first four terms of this sequence and
state whether the sequence is arithmetic, geometric or neither of these.

28 An arithmetic sequence has a 19th term of 61 and a 41st term of 127.

Find a the 20th term
b the 1st term.

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 59

 29 An arithmetic sequence has a 50th term of 1853 and a 70th term of 1793. Find
a the 51st term b the 1st term.

30 A geometric sequence has a 10th term of 98 415 and a 13th term of 2 657 205. Find
a the 14th term b the 1st term.

31 A geometric sequence has a 7th term of 28 672, a 9th term of 458 752 and a negative common
ratio. Find
a the 10th term, b the 1st term.

Note for questions 32 and 33

Do each of the following two questions twice.
First using an exponential function approach, as in previous chapters,
and then by formulating a recursive formula for a sequence and then viewing the terms of the
sequence on a calculator or spreadsheet.

32 $4000 is invested into an account paying interest at 8%, compounded annually. Determine
(to the nearest cent) the amount in the account at the end of ten years.

33 If a house currently valued at $600 000 were to

gain in value at 5.6% per annum, compounded
annually, when would its value first exceed two
million dollars?

Shutterstock.com/Artazum
Note for questions 34 and 35
The next two questions involve an initial amount being invested into an account paying interest and
each year a further amount being added (question 34) or subtracted (question 35). The amounts in the
account each year no longer progress geometrically but the questions can be solved using the ability of
some calculators to display the terms of a sequence defined recursively.

34 $4000 is invested into an account paying interest at 8%, compounded annually and an extra $200
is invested after each 12 months. Thus:
Amount in account at end of 1 yr = $4000 × 1.08 + $200 ← T1
Amount in account at end of 2 yrs = ($4000 × 1.08 + $200) × 1.08 + $200 ← T2
Express Tn+1 in terms of Tn and determine (nearest cent) the amount in the account at the end
of ten years, after the $200 for that year has been added.

35 $4000 is invested into an account paying interest at 8%, compounded annually and $200 is
withdrawn from the account after each 12 months. Thus:
Amount in account at end of 1 yr = $4000 × 1.08 – $200 ← T1
Amount in account at end of 2 yrs = ($4000 × 1.08 – $200) × 1.08 – $200 ← T2
Express Tn+1 in terms of Tn and determine (nearest cent) the amount in the account at the end
of ten years after the $200 for the year has been withdrawn.

60 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408

Miscellaneous exercise three
This miscellaneous exercise may include questions involving the work of this chapter, the
work of any previous chapters, and the ideas mentioned in the Preliminary work section at
the beginning of the book.

1 For each of the following, state whether the relationship between the variables x and y is linear,
quadratic, exponential or reciprocal.
a y = x2 b y = 2x
c y = 5x –7 d y = x2 – 3x + 4
4 x
e y= f y=
x 4
g y = 0.5x – 12 h y – 6x = x2 + 7
i y = (x – 5)(x + 4) j xy = 7
k y + 8 = 2x l y = 6 × 3x

2 Our knowledge of the powers of 2 allows us to solve y

the equation 2x = 8 easily: x = 3.
10
This answer is also evident from the graph of y = 2x
shown on the right, if we find the x value for which
y = 2x
y, and hence 2x, equals 8.
Use the graph to estimate solutions to the following
5
equations:
a 2x = 4.8
b 2x = 6.2
c 2x = 2.6 x

–3 –2 –1 1 2 3

3 If the following are all written in the form 2n, determine the value of n for each case.
1 1
a 8 b c d
2
8 2
1
e 1 f 8 g h
2 2
64

4 Determine a formula for Tn, the nth term of a geometric sequence, for which T2 = 6 and
T5 = 20.25, giving your answer in the forms
a Tn = k × rn – 1 b Tn = k × rn

5 Find the 11th term of the geometric sequence that commences 1, 3, 3, …

ISBN 9780170390408 3. Sequences 61

 6 Determine the value of x in each of the following.
1
a 4x = 64 b 4x = c 4x = 0.25
64
d 640.5 = x e x2 = 64 f 48 = 4x × 4–3

7 Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator.

3 2 −0.5
 1
a 160.5 b 16 2 c 25–0.5
27 3 d e  
 4

8 A sequence has the recursive formula Tn + 1 = (–1)nTn, with T1 = 4.

a Substitute n = 1 into the formula to determine T2.
b Determine T3 to T5.
c Is the sequence arithmetic, geometric, or neither of these?

9 A sequence has the recursive formula Tn + 1 = (–1)n2Tn , with T1 = 1.

a Substitute n = 1 into the formula to determine T2.
b Determine T3 to T5.
c Is the sequence arithmetic, geometric or neither of these?

10 An arithmetic sequence has a first term of 5k + 3, and a common difference of 5 – k.

a Find in terms of k an expression for the tenth term of the sequence, simplifying your answer
where possible.
b If the 20th term of this sequence is 91, find the value of the 21st term.

For numbers 11 to 19, simplify each expression without the assistance of a calculator, expressing your
answers in terms of positive indices.

11 a4 × a3 12 4x2y × 3xy3 13 (15a3b) ÷ (10ab3)

( −3a )2 6 a −1
14 (–3a)2 × (2a2b)3 15 16
(2a 2b )3 (8b )−1

6 a 2b −4 k7 + k3 p5 − p8
17 18 19
3a −3b k3 p2

Without the assistance of a calculator, evaluate each of the following.

5k + 2 5n + 2 − 50 2h+3  + 8
20 21 22
5k −1 5n − 2 3 × 2h  + 3

62 MATHEMATICS METHODS  Unit 2 ISBN 9780170390408