Write explicit formula for a1=3, r=-2; then generate 1st 5 terms

an = 3 (-2) ^ (n-1) 3, - 6, 12, - 24, 48

Step-by-step explanation:

These variable names, a1, r, are commonly used in relationship to geometric sequences. We assume you want the terms of a geometric sequence with these characteristics.

a1 is the first term. r is the ratio between terms, so is the factor to find the next term from the previous one.

a1 = 3 (given)

a2 = a1*r = 3 * (-2) = - 6

a3 = a2*r = (-6) (-2) = 12

a4 = a3*r = (12) (-2) = - 24

a5 = a4*r = (-24) (-2) = 48

The first 5 terms are 3, - 6, 12, - 24, 48.

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The explicit formula for the terms of a geometric sequence is ...

an = a1*r^ (n - 1)

Using the given values of a1 and r, the explicit formula for this sequence is ...

an = 3 (-2) ^ (n - 1)