I don't really know how to explain it as I am not too good at maths vocabulary and mildly good at maths but there is always a question which stumps us and this is mine.
I have two terms, the second(7) and the fourth(43) and the rule which says "the next term in another sequence is to multiply the previous term by 3 and then subtract x, where x is an integer". It wants me to find the first term of this sequence.
I've looked it up on the internet and perhaps I didn't search it right, but all I got was answers to simple sequences which had basic addition to each term with no rules.
Since the answer is needed tomorrow(next-day homework question) and I've tried all resources except this one available to me, I have resorted to this. I ask you, what is the first term and how did you get it? Many thanks in advance.
Best Answer
Hint: Solve the equation $$3\cdot(7)-x=\frac{43+x}{3}.$$ This gives you the value of $x$. After you find $x$, you can set up the equation $a_2=3\cdot a_1-x$.