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Recursive Sequences
Recursive Sequences
Topic Index | Algebra2/Trig Index | Regents Exam Prep Center
Recursion is the process of choosing a starting term and repeatedly applying the same process to each term
to arrive at the following term. Recursion requires that you know the value of the term immediately before the term you are trying to find. A recursive formula always has two parts: 1. the starting value for a1. 2. the recursion equation for an as a function of an-1 (the term before it.) Recursive formula: Same recursive formula:
Be sure you understand that the two formulas at the left say the same thing. Different textbooks write recursive formulas in different ways. Always 2 parts!
A recursive formula may list the first two (or more) terms as starting values, depending upon the natrue of the sequence. In such caes, the an portion of the formula is dependent upon the previous two (or more) terms..
Recursion is described as an "iterative" procedure.
Examples: 1.
Write the first four terms of the sequence:
In recursive formulas, each term is used to produce the next term. Follow the movement of the terms through the set up at the left.
Answer: -4, 1, 6, 11
2.
Consider the sequence 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, ...
Recursive formula: Certain sequences, such as this arithmetic sequence, can be represented in more than one manner. This sequence can be represented as either an explicit (general) formula or a recursive formula.
Explicit formula:
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3.
Consider the sequence 3, 9, 27, 81, ...
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3.
Consider the sequence 3, 9, 27, 81, ...
Recursive formula: Certain sequences, such as this geometric sequence, can be represented in more than one manner. This sequence can be represented as either an explicit formula or a recursive formula.
Explicit formula:
4.
Consider the sequence 2, 5, 26, 677, ...
This sequence is neither arithmetic nor geometric. It does, however, have a pattern of development based upon each previous term.
Recursive formula:
5.
Write the first 5 terms of the sequence
Notice how the value of n is used as the exponent for the value (-1). Also, remember that in recursive formulas, each term is used to produce the next term. Follow the movement of the terms through the set up at the left.
Answer: 3, 15, -75, -375, 1875
Check out how to use your TI83+/84+ graphing calculator with sequences and series. Click here.
Topic Index | Algebra2/Trig Index | Regents Exam Prep Center Created by Donna Roberts Copyright 1998-2012 [Link] Oswego City School District Regents Exam Prep Center
