Answer :
To solve the problem, we need to find [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex] using the recursive relationship [tex]\( f(n+1) = \frac{1}{3} f(n) \)[/tex] and the given value [tex]\( f(3) = 9 \)[/tex].
Here's how you can solve it step by step:
1. Understand the Recursive Function:
- The function tells us how to get from one term to the next in the sequence. Specifically, each term is one-third of the previous term.
2. Work Backwards from the Given Information:
- We are given [tex]\( f(3) = 9 \)[/tex]. Our goal is to find [tex]\( f(2) \)[/tex] and then [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex].
3. Find [tex]\( f(2) \)[/tex]:
- According to the recursive function, [tex]\( f(3) = \frac{1}{3} f(2) \)[/tex].
- Since [tex]\( f(3) = 9 \)[/tex], we can set up the equation:
[tex]\[
9 = \frac{1}{3} f(2)
\][/tex]
- Multiply both sides by 3 to solve for [tex]\( f(2) \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
f(2) = 9 \times 3 = 27
\][/tex]
4. Find [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex]:
- Now use the same recursive formula to find [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex]. According to the formula, [tex]\( f(2) = \frac{1}{3} f(1) \)[/tex].
- We already found [tex]\( f(2) = 27 \)[/tex], so:
[tex]\[
27 = \frac{1}{3} f(1)
\][/tex]
- Multiply both sides by 3 to solve for [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
f(1) = 27 \times 3 = 81
\][/tex]
So, the value of [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex] is 81.
Here's how you can solve it step by step:
1. Understand the Recursive Function:
- The function tells us how to get from one term to the next in the sequence. Specifically, each term is one-third of the previous term.
2. Work Backwards from the Given Information:
- We are given [tex]\( f(3) = 9 \)[/tex]. Our goal is to find [tex]\( f(2) \)[/tex] and then [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex].
3. Find [tex]\( f(2) \)[/tex]:
- According to the recursive function, [tex]\( f(3) = \frac{1}{3} f(2) \)[/tex].
- Since [tex]\( f(3) = 9 \)[/tex], we can set up the equation:
[tex]\[
9 = \frac{1}{3} f(2)
\][/tex]
- Multiply both sides by 3 to solve for [tex]\( f(2) \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
f(2) = 9 \times 3 = 27
\][/tex]
4. Find [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex]:
- Now use the same recursive formula to find [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex]. According to the formula, [tex]\( f(2) = \frac{1}{3} f(1) \)[/tex].
- We already found [tex]\( f(2) = 27 \)[/tex], so:
[tex]\[
27 = \frac{1}{3} f(1)
\][/tex]
- Multiply both sides by 3 to solve for [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
f(1) = 27 \times 3 = 81
\][/tex]
So, the value of [tex]\( f(1) \)[/tex] is 81.