a (n) = -6 + 3(n - 1)

Find the 16th term in the sequence.

1 answer

To find the 16th term of the sequence defined by the formula \( a(n) = -6 + 3(n - 1) \), we need to substitute \( n = 16 \) into the formula.

Let's calculate it step by step:

  1. Substitute \( n = 16 \) into the formula: \[ a(16) = -6 + 3(16 - 1) \]

  2. Calculate \( 16 - 1 \): \[ 16 - 1 = 15 \]

  3. Substitute this back into the equation: \[ a(16) = -6 + 3 \times 15 \]

  4. Calculate \( 3 \times 15 \): \[ 3 \times 15 = 45 \]

  5. Substitute this back into the formula: \[ a(16) = -6 + 45 \]

  6. Finally, calculate \( -6 + 45 \): \[ -6 + 45 = 39 \]

Therefore, the 16th term in the sequence is \( \boxed{39} \).