SEQUENCES Graphing A Sequence (Page 6 of 9)

Next we will graph the first twelve terms of the recursively defined sequence a(subscript 1) = 3, a(subscript n) = a(subscript n-1)+4. This is an example of an arithmetic sequence. First define the sequence as u in the sequence editor. Be sure nMin = 1, then define the rule for the sequence on the next line. Enter a(subscript n-1) as u(n-1), which refers to the previous term in the sequence. For a recursively defined sequence you must also specify u(nMin), which represents the first term a(subscript 1). For this example the first term is 3, so set u(nMin)=3.

 Y= key. (Clear the previous function)

 2nd u key. Left parenthesis key. X,T,theta,n key. Minus key. 1 Right parenthesis key. Plus key. 4 ENTER key.
 3

 Calculator screen image.

From the sequence definition we can conclude that the smallest term will be the first term, and all following terms will increase by four. It would be helpful to know the twelfth term so we can set Ymax properly.
Copyright © 2010 Turner Educational Publishing
Go back to the previous page. Go to the next page. Go to the Table of Contents. Go to the Index page. Go to the Quiz page. Exit to the Home page.