What are the first four terms in the sequence #a_n = n^2+1#?

1 Answer
Jun 28, 2016

2, 5, 10, 17

Explanation:

n represents the number or position of a term in a sequence.

n always starts from 1.

To find the first 4 terms, use n =1, then n=2, then n=3, then n=4.
Substitute and work out the actual value of each term.

#a_1 = 1^2 +1 = 2#

#a_2 = 2^2 +1 = 5#

#a_3 = 3^2 +1 = 10#

#a_4 = 4^2 +1 = 17#

If you are asked for the 10th, 25th, 99th or any particular term, you just use n = 10, n=25, n=99 and so on.....

#a_10 = 10^2 +1 = 101#