Evaluating Linear Expressions: Finding the Term-to-Term Rule for 2n+1 Sequence

Expression Simplification with Algebraic Terms

Which expressions represent a term-to-term rule for the sequence shown below?

IIIIII a. 5n+13n 5n+1-3n

b. 2n+1 2n+1

c. 7n15n 7n-1-5n

d. 14n+6n 1-4n+6n

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

Which expressions represent a term-to-term rule for the sequence shown below?

IIIIII a. 5n+13n 5n+1-3n

b. 2n+1 2n+1

c. 7n15n 7n-1-5n

d. 14n+6n 1-4n+6n

2

Step-by-step solution

To identify which expressions represent a term-to-term rule for a sequence, we'll simplify each expression:

  • Expression a: 5n+13n 5n + 1 - 3n
    Simplifying this, we combine like terms:
    (5n3n)+1=2n+1 (5n - 3n) + 1 = 2n + 1 .
    This simplifies to a linear expression: 2n+1 2n + 1 .
  • Expression b: 2n+1 2n + 1
    This expression is already in its simplest linear form.
  • Expression c: 7n15n 7n - 1 - 5n
    Simplifying this, we combine like terms:
    (7n5n)1=2n1 (7n - 5n) - 1 = 2n - 1 .
    This simplifies to a linear expression: 2n1 2n - 1 .
  • Expression d: 14n+6n 1 - 4n + 6n
    Simplifying this, we combine like terms:
    1+(6n4n)=1+2n 1 + (6n - 4n) = 1 + 2n .
    This also simplifies to a linear expression: 2n+1 2n + 1 .

After simplification:

  • Expression a simplifies to 2n+1 2n + 1 .
  • Expression b is already 2n+1 2n + 1 .
  • Expression c simplifies to 2n1 2n - 1 , which is not identical to 2n+1 2n + 1 and does not match the sequence rule form identified in expressions a, b, and d.
  • Expression d simplifies to 2n+1 2n + 1 .

Thus, the expressions that represent a term-to-term rule of the form 2n+1 2n + 1 are

a, b, and d

.
3

Final Answer

a, b, and d

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Combine Like Terms: Group terms with same variables and add coefficients
  • Technique: In 5n+13n 5n + 1 - 3n , combine (5n - 3n) + 1 = 2n+1 2n + 1
  • Check: Substitute n = 1: 2(1)+1=3 2(1) + 1 = 3 matches original expression ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not combining like terms before comparing expressions
    Don't compare 5n+13n 5n + 1 - 3n directly to 2n+1 2n + 1 = wrong conclusion! The expressions look different but are actually equivalent. Always simplify each expression first by combining like terms, then compare the simplified forms.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Are the expressions the same or not?

\( 3+3+3+3 \)

\( 3\times4 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which terms are 'like terms'?

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Like terms have the exact same variable part! For example, 5n and -3n are like terms because they both have 'n'. But 5n and 5 are not like terms because one has 'n' and the other doesn't.

What's the difference between 2n + 1 and 2n - 1?

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The constant terms are different! 2n+1 2n + 1 adds 1, while 2n1 2n - 1 subtracts 1. This makes them completely different expressions that give different values.

Why do I need to simplify expressions before comparing?

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Expressions can look different but be equivalent! For example, 5n3n+1 5n - 3n + 1 and 2n+1 2n + 1 are the same expression written differently. Simplifying reveals their true form.

Can I rearrange terms when simplifying?

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Yes! You can rearrange terms in any order when adding or subtracting. For example, 14n+6n 1 - 4n + 6n can be written as 1+6n4n 1 + 6n - 4n to make combining easier.

How can I check if my simplification is correct?

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Pick a number for n (like n = 2) and substitute it into both the original and simplified expressions. If they give the same result, your simplification is correct!

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