Construct a difference table to predict the next term of the sequence 10, 6, 8, 16, 30,.... A) -2 B) 50 C) 46 D) 44 E) 6

Calculus: Early Transcendentals
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Author:James Stewart
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Chapter1: Functions And Models
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**Problem:**
Construct a difference table to predict the next term of the sequence 10, 6, 8, 16, 30, …

**Options:**
A) -2  
B) 50  
C) 46  
D) 44  
E) 6  

**Explanation:**

To solve this problem, we need to analyze the sequence using a method called the difference table. This involves calculating the differences between consecutive terms of the sequence and continuing this process with each new set of differences until a pattern emerges. Once the differences reach a constant value, we can predict the next term.

1. **Find the first differences:**
   - 6 - 10 = -4
   - 8 - 6 = 2
   - 16 - 8 = 8
   - 30 - 16 = 14

   First differences: -4, 2, 8, 14

2. **Find the second differences:**
   - 2 - (-4) = 6
   - 8 - 2 = 6
   - 14 - 8 = 6

   Second differences: 6, 6, 6

Since the second differences are constant, the sequence involves a quadratic pattern. We can use these differences to predict the next term.

3. **Predict the next first difference:**
   - Next first difference = Last first difference + Constant second difference
   - Next first difference = 14 + 6 = 20

4. **Predict the next term:**
   - Next term = Last term of the sequence + Next first difference
   - Next term = 30 + 20 = 50

Therefore, the next term in the sequence is 50. The answer is **B) 50**.
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem:** Construct a difference table to predict the next term of the sequence 10, 6, 8, 16, 30, … **Options:** A) -2 B) 50 C) 46 D) 44 E) 6 **Explanation:** To solve this problem, we need to analyze the sequence using a method called the difference table. This involves calculating the differences between consecutive terms of the sequence and continuing this process with each new set of differences until a pattern emerges. Once the differences reach a constant value, we can predict the next term. 1. **Find the first differences:** - 6 - 10 = -4 - 8 - 6 = 2 - 16 - 8 = 8 - 30 - 16 = 14 First differences: -4, 2, 8, 14 2. **Find the second differences:** - 2 - (-4) = 6 - 8 - 2 = 6 - 14 - 8 = 6 Second differences: 6, 6, 6 Since the second differences are constant, the sequence involves a quadratic pattern. We can use these differences to predict the next term. 3. **Predict the next first difference:** - Next first difference = Last first difference + Constant second difference - Next first difference = 14 + 6 = 20 4. **Predict the next term:** - Next term = Last term of the sequence + Next first difference - Next term = 30 + 20 = 50 Therefore, the next term in the sequence is 50. The answer is **B) 50**.
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