At which differences does the following polynomial sequence reach a constant value?

an=2n4−n3

(1 point)
Responses

3rd differences
3rd differences

2nd differences

4th differences

1st differences

1 answer

To determine at which differences the polynomial sequence \( a_n = 2n^4 - n^3 \) reaches a constant value, we start by identifying the degree of the polynomial.

The polynomial \( a_n \) is a quartic polynomial (degree 4) since the highest power of \( n \) is 4.

In general:

  • For a polynomial of degree \( k \), the \( k \)-th differences will result in a constant value.
  • The \( (k-1) \)-th differences will be a polynomial of degree 1, and so on.

Since \( a_n \) is a polynomial of degree 4, we need to look at the 4th differences to find a constant value.

Thus, the correct response is:

4th differences