A pendulum swings 80cm on its first swing, 76cm on its second swing, 72.2cm on i

Yasmin

Yasmin

Answered question

2021-09-21

A pendulum's initial swing is 80 cm, 76cm on its second swing, 72.2cm on its third swing, and 68.59cm on its fourth swing. Complete parts a and b below. 
a. What precise formula can be applied to determine the length of the n-th swing if the pattern persists?
an=80(0.95)n1 
(Simplify your answer. Use integers or decimals for any numbers in the expression.) 
b. Use your formula to find the distance of the 10-th swing. 
a10=?cm 
(Type an integer or decimal rounded to two decimal places as needed.)

Answer & Explanation

faldduE

faldduE

Skilled2021-09-22Added 109 answers

Step 1
Given, a pendulum swings 80 cm on its first swing, 76 on its second swing, and 72.2 on its third swing, and 68.69 cm on its fourth swing.
Step 2
Part (a),
A pendulum swings as follows:
First swing, a1=80cm
Second swing, a2=76cm
Third swing, a3=72.2cm
Fourth swing, a4=68.59cm
Common ratio, r1=a2a1=7680=0.95
r2=a3a2=72.276=0.95
Since the common ratio is same, so the pendulum swings are in geometric sequence.
First term, a=80
Common ratio, r=0.95
The n-th term of the geometric sequence is given by
an=a(r)n1; where n= number of terms
an=80(0.95)n1
The distance of n-th swings is an=80(0.95)n1.
Step 3
Part(b),
an=80(0.95)n1
Out n=10, then
a10=80(0.95)101
a10=80(0.95)9
a10=50.4199
a10=50.42cm
The distance of the 10-th swing is a10=50.42cm

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