Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Sequences
A sequence is an ordered list of numbers that follow a specific pattern or rule. Each number in the sequence is called a term, and the position of each term is typically denoted by an index, such as 'n'. Understanding sequences is fundamental in algebra as they can represent various mathematical concepts, including arithmetic and geometric progressions.
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General Term
The general term of a sequence is a formula that allows you to calculate any term in the sequence based on its position. In this case, the general term is given by the formula an = 3n + 2, where 'n' represents the term's position. This formula is crucial for generating specific terms of the sequence without listing all previous terms.
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Substitution
Substitution is the process of replacing a variable in an expression with a specific value. To find the first four terms of the sequence defined by an = 3n + 2, you substitute n with the values 1, 2, 3, and 4. This technique is essential for evaluating expressions and understanding how changes in the input affect the output.
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