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MathRevolution
[Math Revolution GMAT math practice question]

The sequence Sn has the terms S1=1, S2=2, S3=6, S4=15, S5=31, ……. If n is a positive integer, what could be the value of Sn-Sn-1 in terms of n?

\(A. n\)
\(B. n^2\)
\(C. –n\)
\(D. -n^2\)
\(E. (n-1)^2\)

If you don't spot a pattern, you can always TEST the answer choices

We want to find Sn - Sn-1
So, let's test a value of n.
How about n = 2
So, we want to find the value of S2 - S1
Well, we're told that S2 = 2 and S1 = 1
So, S2 - S1 = 2 - 1 = 1

So, when n = 2, the answer to the question (what is the value of Sn - Sn-1) is 1

Now we'll check the answer choices to see which one yields an OUTPUT of 1 when we input n = 2
A. n = 2. NO GOOD. We need an output of 1. ELIMINATE
B. n² = 2² = 4. NO GOOD. We need an output of 1. ELIMINATE
C. -n = -2 = -2. NO GOOD. We need an output of 1. ELIMINATE
D. -n² = -2² = -4. NO GOOD. We need an output of 1. ELIMINATE
E. (n - 1)² = (2 - 1)² = 1. perfect!!

Answer: E

Cheers,
Brent
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=>

We begin by writing out the terms of the sequence:

S2-S1 \(= 2 -1 = 1=1^2\)
S3-S2 \(= 6 – 2 = 4 = 2^2\)
S4-S3 \(= 15 – 6 = 9 = 3^2\)
S5-S4 \(= 31-15 = 16 = 4^2\)

Following the above pattern gives
Sn-Sn-1 \(= (n-1)^2\)

Therefore, the answer is E.
Answer: E
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Hello everyone!

Just to clarify.

Sn-Sn-1 \(= (n-1)^2\)

n = The position of the term, right?

I am getting confused with the symbols.

Kind regards!
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jfranciscocuencag
Hello everyone!

Just to clarify.

Sn-Sn-1 \(= (n-1)^2\)

n = The position of the term, right?

I am getting confused with the symbols.

Kind regards!

I would like to pitch in here.

Yes are correct, n is indeed the position of the term, because n is a positive integer and it is a part of this series.

s1 = 1, s2 = 2, s3= 6 ...

s2 = s2 - s1 = 1, 2-1 = 1^2

s3 = s3 - s2 = 6-2 = 4, which is nothing but (n-1)^2, (3-1)^2 = 4

Here n is the position of the integer in the series.

Kindly let me know if this helps.
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Ans is E.if u have problem with logic. Ucan just substute n =2 in ans

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