Let an denote the nth term of a geometric sequence. Let ao= 512 and an+1= 0.5an. What is the explicit formula for this sequence?

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Chapter12: Sequences, Series And Binomial Theorem
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Problem 328PT: Find the first term and common difference of an arithmetic sequence whose ninth term is -1 and the...
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**Understanding Geometric Sequences**

**Problem Statement:**

Let \(a_n\) denote the \(n^\text{th}\) term of a geometric sequence. Let \(a_0 = 512\) and \(a_{n+1} = 0.5a_n\). What is the explicit formula for this sequence?

**Options:**
1. \(a_n = 256(0.5)^n\)
2. \(a_n = 512(0.5)^n\)
3. \(a_n = 0.5(512)^n\)
4. \(a_n = 512(n)^{0.5}\)

### Detailed Explanation:

For a geometric sequence, each term is derived by multiplying the previous term by a constant ratio. Here, the first term (\(a_0\)) is given as 512, and the ratio (\(r\)) is 0.5.

The explicit formula for the \(n^\text{th}\) term of a geometric sequence is given by:
\[ a_n = a_0 \cdot r^n \]

Given:
\[ a_0 = 512 \]
\[ r = 0.5 \]

Substitute these values into the formula:
\[ a_n = 512 \cdot (0.5)^n \]

Thus, the explicit formula for this sequence is:

### **\(a_n = 512(0.5)^n\)**

**Solution:**
Therefore, the correct option is:
\[ \text{Option 2: } a_n = 512(0.5)^n \]

This option matches the derived formula.
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Geometric Sequences** **Problem Statement:** Let \(a_n\) denote the \(n^\text{th}\) term of a geometric sequence. Let \(a_0 = 512\) and \(a_{n+1} = 0.5a_n\). What is the explicit formula for this sequence? **Options:** 1. \(a_n = 256(0.5)^n\) 2. \(a_n = 512(0.5)^n\) 3. \(a_n = 0.5(512)^n\) 4. \(a_n = 512(n)^{0.5}\) ### Detailed Explanation: For a geometric sequence, each term is derived by multiplying the previous term by a constant ratio. Here, the first term (\(a_0\)) is given as 512, and the ratio (\(r\)) is 0.5. The explicit formula for the \(n^\text{th}\) term of a geometric sequence is given by: \[ a_n = a_0 \cdot r^n \] Given: \[ a_0 = 512 \] \[ r = 0.5 \] Substitute these values into the formula: \[ a_n = 512 \cdot (0.5)^n \] Thus, the explicit formula for this sequence is: ### **\(a_n = 512(0.5)^n\)** **Solution:** Therefore, the correct option is: \[ \text{Option 2: } a_n = 512(0.5)^n \] This option matches the derived formula.
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