document.write( "Question 1161033: If a sequence is defined recursively by f(1)= -2 and f(n-1) = 3(n-1)-4, then find the first 4 terms of the sequence? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #784449 by ikleyn(52790)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "            The problem formulation, strictly saying, is incomplete, since it DOES NOT define for which values of \"n\" the given formula is valid.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "            But if we assume that it is valid for any integer n >= 3, then see my solution below.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "            Read it VERY ATTENTIVELY.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "            Also notice that the formula is INVALID for n= 2.\r
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document.write( "It is INCORRECT to call this formula recursive.\r\n" );
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document.write( "There is NO recursion in it.\r\n" );
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document.write( "It is an EXPLICIT formula  f(m) = 3m-4, for any integer m >= 2, if we accept my assumption above.\r\n" );
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document.write( "So, f(2) = 3*2 - 4 = 6 - 4 = 2;\r\n" );
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document.write( "    f(3) = 3*3 - 4 = 9 - 4 = 5;\r\n" );
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document.write( "    f(4) = 3*4 - 4 = 12 - 4 = 8.\r\n" );
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document.write( "You can easily calculate million next terms in this way, if you want.\r\n" );
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Very important  POST-NOTE :\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "        It is a  GROSS  MISTAKE  to call this formula recursive (!)\r
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