To find the second term of the geometric sequence defined by the recursive formula \( a_1 = 4 \) and \( a_n = 3a_{n-1} - 7 \), we can compute \( a_2 \):
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Start with the first term: \[ a_1 = 4 \]
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Use the recursive formula to find the second term: \[ a_2 = 3a_1 - 7 \]
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Substitute \( a_1 \) into the formula: \[ a_2 = 3(4) - 7 \]
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Calculate the value: \[ a_2 = 12 - 7 = 5 \]
Thus, the second term of the sequence is \( a_2 = 5 \).