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Sequences

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by dlencz » Thu Mar 08, 2012 7:37 pm
5, 17, 65, 257...
The first term in the above sequence is 5, and every term after the first is determined by multiplying the preceding term by k and then subtracting h. What is the value of k?


(A) 2

(B) 3

(C) 4

(D) 5

(E) 6
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Source: — Problem Solving |

by dlencz » Thu Mar 08, 2012 7:41 pm
I just realized my mistake, but have at it anyways.
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by Anurag@Gurome » Thu Mar 08, 2012 7:42 pm
dlencz wrote:5, 17, 65, 257...
The first term in the above sequence is 5, and every term after the first is determined by multiplying the preceding term by k and then subtracting h. What is the value of k?

(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6
First term = 5
2nd term = 5k - h = 17 ...Equation 1
3rd term = 17k - h = 65 ...Equation 2
Subtracting equations 1 and 2, we get
12k = 48
k = 4

The correct answer is C.
Anurag Mairal, Ph.D., MBA
GMAT Expert, Admissions and Career Guidance
Gurome, Inc.
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