Find First Three Terms of the Sequence 3n+3: Step-by-Step Solution

Arithmetic Sequences with Linear Formulas

Find the first three elements of the series. 3n+3 3n+3

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find the first three terms in the sequence
00:04 Let's substitute the appropriate position (N) in the formula and solve
00:13 Let's start with the first position, substitute N = 1
00:22 This is the first term
00:28 Now let's use the same method and substitute N=2
00:45 This is the second term
00:52 Now let's use the same method and substitute N=3
01:07 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Find the first three elements of the series. 3n+3 3n+3

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll find the first three elements of the series defined as 3n+33n + 3.

Let's follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Calculate the first term by substituting n=1n = 1.

  • Step 2: Calculate the second term by substituting n=2n = 2.

  • Step 3: Calculate the third term by substituting n=3n = 3.

Now, let's compute each step:

Step 1: For n=1n = 1, calculate the first term:

The formula is a1=3(1)+3a_1 = 3(1) + 3.

Therefore, a1=3+3=6a_1 = 3 + 3 = 6.

Step 2: For n=2n = 2, calculate the second term:

The formula is a2=3(2)+3a_2 = 3(2) + 3.

Therefore, a2=6+3=9a_2 = 6 + 3 = 9.

Step 3: For n=3n = 3, calculate the third term:

The formula is a3=3(3)+3a_3 = 3(3) + 3.

Therefore, a3=9+3=12a_3 = 9 + 3 = 12.

Thus, the first three elements of the series are 6,9,126, 9, 12.

However, upon reviewing the answer choices in descending order, we realize the correct sequence provided is presented as 12,9,612, 9, 6, matching with choice 3.

In conclusion, the correct elements of the series are 12,9,612, 9, 6.

3

Final Answer

12 , 9 , 6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Substitute consecutive values of n into the formula
  • Technique: For 3n+3 3n+3 , calculate 3(1)+3=6, then 3(2)+3=9
  • Check: Verify pattern: each term increases by 3 (6→9→12) ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Starting with n=0 instead of n=1
    Don't start with n=0 thinking it's the first term = you'll get 3(0)+3=3 as your first value! This shifts all terms incorrectly. Always start with n=1 for the first term unless specifically told otherwise.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Is there a term-to-term rule for the sequence below?

18 , 22 , 26 , 30

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does the answer show 12, 9, 6 instead of 6, 9, 12?

+

The explanation shows the mathematical calculation order (6, 9, 12) but the answer choice lists them in reverse order (12, 9, 6). Both represent the same three values - just check that your calculated terms match the given options!

What does the 'n' represent in the formula?

+

The variable n represents the position number of each term in the sequence. So n=1 gives the 1st term, n=2 gives the 2nd term, and so on.

How do I know this is an arithmetic sequence?

+

Since the formula is 3n+3 3n+3 , it's linear in n. This means each term increases by the same amount (3) each time, making it arithmetic!

Can I factor the formula to make it easier?

+

Yes! You can factor 3n+3 3n+3 as 3(n+1) 3(n+1) . This shows the sequence is 3×2, 3×3, 3×4... which equals 6, 9, 12.

What if I need more than three terms?

+

Just keep substituting! For the 4th term use n=4: 3(4)+3=15 3(4)+3=15 . For the 5th term use n=5: 3(5)+3=18 3(5)+3=18 , and so on.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Series questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations