Question

suppose that a sequence is defined as follows.
\\( a_1 = 5, \quad a_n = a_{n - 1} - 3 \\) for \\( n \geq 2 \\)
list the first four terms of the sequence.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify first term

$a_1 = 5$

Step2: Calculate second term

Substitute $n=2$: $a_2 = a_{1} - 3 = 5 - 3 = 2$

Step3: Calculate third term

Substitute $n=3$: $a_3 = a_{2} - 3 = 2 - 3 = -1$

Step4: Calculate fourth term

Substitute $n=4$: $a_4 = a_{3} - 3 = -1 - 3 = -4$

Answer:

5, 2, -1, -4