Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
I am confused as well, anyone have any diection? -ERaymond 10/16/08 10:20am | I am confused as well, anyone have any diection? -ERaymond 10/16/08 10:20am | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The recurrence relation is an equation relating <math>a_n</math> to previous values of <math>a_n</math> i.e. <math>a_n-1</math>. For example a recurrence relation would be <math>a_n</math> = <math>a_n-1</math> + 2. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In part b), you are asked for an explicit formula. This is an equation from which we can compute <math>a_n</math> directly. i.e. <math>a_n</math> = 27n. | ||
+ | However, in general, I dont think it is always possible to obtain an explicit forumla. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Note: you will need some initial conditions to derive the explicit formula. | ||
+ | |||
+ | I hope this helps, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Tom --[[User:Tsnowdon|Tsnowdon]] 15:05, 19 October 2008 (UTC) |
Revision as of 11:05, 19 October 2008
I'm a bit confused by the phrasing of this problem. Is the recurrence relation just the $ a_n $ statement without the initial conditions?
I am confused as well, anyone have any diection? -ERaymond 10/16/08 10:20am
The recurrence relation is an equation relating $ a_n $ to previous values of $ a_n $ i.e. $ a_n-1 $. For example a recurrence relation would be $ a_n $ = $ a_n-1 $ + 2.
In part b), you are asked for an explicit formula. This is an equation from which we can compute $ a_n $ directly. i.e. $ a_n $ = 27n. However, in general, I dont think it is always possible to obtain an explicit forumla.
Note: you will need some initial conditions to derive the explicit formula.
I hope this helps,
Tom --Tsnowdon 15:05, 19 October 2008 (UTC)