indicated terms

[katymoses]

Find the indicated term of the arithmetic sequence with first term a₁, and common difference, d.

Find a₈ when a₁ = 10, d = -5.

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		-30 What on earth does this even mean

 

[stapel]

Find the indicated term of the arithmetic sequence with first term a₁, and common difference, d.

Find a₈ when a₁ = 10, d = -5.

What on earth does this even mean

It means exactly what it says: Take the fact that this is an arithmetic sequence, together with the information regarding the common difference and the first term, plug these into the formulas you've been given, and solve for the specified value.

Where are you stuck in applying the formula? Please be complete. Thank you!

 

[katymoses]

It means exactly what it says: Take the fact that this is an arithmetic sequence, together with the information regarding the common difference and the first term, plug these into the formulas you've been given, and solve for the specified value.

Where are you stuck in applying the formula? Please be complete. Thank you!

I am stuck with the whole thing. I do not know where to begin, it would help if you could walk through it and show how to get the answer. thank you

 

[JeffM]

I am stuck with the whole thing. I do not know where to begin, it would help if you could walk through it and show how to get the answer. thank you

The formula for an arithmetic progression is \(\displaystyle a_n = a_1 + d(n - 1).\) You have to memorize this.

The problem gives you \(\displaystyle a_1 = 10\ and\ d = - 5.\)

How do YOU think you should proceed to compute \(\displaystyle a_8\)? After all, we won't be there when you take your test.

Show us how you get your answer, and we shall show you where (if anywhere) you have gone wrong.

 

[stapel]

I am stuck with the whole thing.

How far did you get in studying the lesson at the link which was provided in my previous reply?

I do not know where to begin...

Try beginning by following the steps, outlined earlier.

...it would help if you could walk through it and show how to get the answer.

You already have loads of worked examples, where they've "walked you through it" and "shown how to get the answer", in your textbook, in your class notes, and in online lessons such as the one already provided.

If you really have no idea what is going on, then you need way more help than we can here provide. You may want to consider hiring a qualified local tutor, and meeting with him for an hour or two a day. By working with you, face to face, your tutor can locate the gaps in your background knowledge which are preventing you from comprehending any aspect of the current material. Your tutor can then provide you with personalized lessons so that, with hard work and some luck, you can get caught up to the class in only a few weeks' time.

Good luck!