Select the response that creates an accurate formula for the sequence 2, 3.5, 6.125. 10.71875 . . .

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1 answer

To find an accurate formula for the given sequence \(2, 3.5, 6.125, 10.71875\), we will analyze the pattern in the numbers.

  1. Look for patterns:
    • The first term is \(2\).
    • The second term is \(3.5 = 2 \times 1.75\).
    • The third term is \(6.125 = 3.5 \times 1.75\).
    • The fourth term is \(10.71875 = 6.125 \times 1.75\).

It appears that each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by a constant factor \(1.75\).

  1. Identify the pattern in terms of a formula:
    • The first term \(a_1 = 2\).
    • The second term \(a_2 = a_1 \times 1.75 = 2 \times 1.75\).
    • The third term \(a_3 = a_2 \times 1.75 = (2 \times 1.75) \times 1.75 = 2 \times (1.75^2)\).
    • The fourth term \(a_4 = a_3 \times 1.75 = (2 \times (1.75^2)) \times 1.75 = 2 \times (1.75^3)\).

Thus, we can generalize the formula:

\[ a_n = 2 \times (1.75)^{(n-1)} \]

where \(n\) is the term number.

This formula effectively describes the sequence.