Recursive Series
Example
Give a recursive definition for the sequence: 2, -6, 18, -54, 162, -486, ...
Solution
Each term is -3 times the previous term; for example 18=-3(-6) and -54 = -3(18).
Thus, a recursive definition is $s_n = -3s_{n-1}$ for $n > 1$ and $s_1 = 2$.
Exercise:
A) Find a formula for $s_n$, $n \ge 1$ for 1/2, -1/4, 1/6, -1/8, 1/10,....
B) Find a recursive definite for the sequence 1, 2, 3/2, 5/3, 8/5, 13/8,... using the format above
with $s_n$.