College

The pattern of numbers below is an arithmetic sequence:

[tex]\[ 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, \ldots \][/tex]

Which statement describes the recursive function used to generate the sequence?

A. The common difference is 1, so the function is [tex]f(n+1)=f(n)+1[/tex] where [tex]f(1)=14[/tex].

B. The common difference is 4, so the function is [tex]f(n+1)=f(n)+4[/tex] where [tex]f(1)=10[/tex].

C. The common difference is 10, so the function is [tex]f(n+1)=f(n)+10[/tex] where [tex]f(1)=14[/tex].

D. The common difference is 14, so the function is [tex]f(n+1)=f(n)+14[/tex] where [tex]f(1)=10[/tex].

Answer :

To solve this problem, we need to identify the pattern in the arithmetic sequence and determine the recursive function that generates it.

Let's break it down step by step:

1. Identify the Sequence:
The sequence provided is: 14, 24, 34, 44, 54,...

2. Find the Common Difference:
- To find the common difference, subtract the first term from the second term:
[tex]\( 24 - 14 = 10 \)[/tex]
- It is a common arithmetic sequence step to find that all consecutive terms have the same difference. Let's verify:
[tex]\( 34 - 24 = 10 \)[/tex]
[tex]\( 44 - 34 = 10 \)[/tex]
[tex]\( 54 - 44 = 10 \)[/tex]
- This confirms the common difference is 10.

3. Define the Recursive Function:
- In a recursive function for an arithmetic sequence, you use the formula:
[tex]\( f(n+1) = f(n) + d \)[/tex]
Where [tex]\( d \)[/tex] is the common difference.
- Here, [tex]\( d = 10 \)[/tex] and the starting term [tex]\( f(1) = 14 \)[/tex].

4. Write the Recursive Function Statement:
- The recursive function that describes this sequence is:
[tex]\( f(n+1) = f(n) + 10 \)[/tex] where [tex]\( f(1) = 14 \)[/tex].

From the options given in the initial question, the statement that accurately describes the recursive function for the sequence is:
"The common difference is 10, so the function is [tex]\( f(n+1) = f(n) + 10 \)[/tex] where [tex]\( f(1) = 14 \)[/tex]."