Sequence

Rarely Tested

Sequence

## Definition / Concept

A sequence is an ordered list of numbers formed according to a definite rule.

A sequence can be represented as:

$$a_1,a_2,a_3,\ldots,a_n,\ldots$$

## Terminologies

- General term → $$a_n$$, the $$n$$th term of the sequence.

- First term → $$a_1$$.

- Finite sequence → Sequence having a finite number of terms.

- Infinite sequence → Sequence continuing indefinitely.

## Formula

The $$n$$th term of a sequence is generally represented by:

$$a_n=f(n)$$

## Usage

- Used to represent ordered numerical patterns and to derive formulas for their terms.

Question 1

Consider a function $$f : \mathbb{N} \to \mathbb{R}$$, satisfying $$f(1) + 2f(2) + 3f(3) + \ldots + xf(x) = x(x+1)f(x)$$; $$x \geq 2$$ with $$f(1) = 1$$. Then $$\frac{1}{f(2022)} + \frac{1}{f(2028)}$$ is equal to

Question 2

Let a sequence $$\{a_n\}$$ be defined by $$a_1=3$$ and the recurrence relation $$a_{n+1}=a_n^2-2a_n+2$$

for all integers $$n\ge1$$. Evaluate the infinite product $$P=\prod_{n=1}^{\infty}\left(1-\frac1{a_n}\right)$$

Question 3

Find the 10th term ($$a_{10}$$) of the sequence defined by:
$$a_1 = 2$$
$$a_n = \begin{cases} a_{n-1} + 3 & \text{if } n \text{ is even} \\ a_{n-1} \times 2 & \text{if } n \text{ is odd} \end{cases}$$

Go back to topics

Join CAT 2026 course by 5-Time CAT 100%iler

Start your IIM journey with the right preparation and crack CAT 2026.