What is the first term of the arithmetic sequence when the third term is 12 and the 8th term is 37?

hello from mrbilldoesmath!

answer:

a(n) - a(n-1) -3

discussion:

this ones a bit interesting. given a(n) = 5 - 3n consider this:

a(n-1) = 5 - 3(n-1)

          = (5 - 3n) + 3             => but a(n) = 5 - 3n, the first term

          = a(n)   + 3                 => subtract 3 from both sides

a(n-1) -3 = a(n)  

or

a(n) - a(n-1) -3

you,

mrb

this is false ^.^ lol

solve systems of equations by graphing. a system of linear equations contains two or more equations e.g. y=0.5x+2 and y=x-2. the solution of such a system is the ordered pair that is a solution to both equations. to solve a system of linear equations graphically we graph both equations in the same coordinate system