In the sequence {an}, a1=1, an+1=3an+1an, for n=1,2,3,…. - (I) Calculate the values of a2, a3, a4; - (II) Conjecture the general formula for the sequence {an} and prove it using mathematical induction.
A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.
Official solution
Solution: - (I) Since a1=1 and an+1=3an+1an, ∴a2=3a1+1a1=41; a3=3a2+1a2=43+141=71, a4=73+171=101; - (II) From (I), we can conjecture: an=3n−21. Proof: 1) When n=1, a1=1, the equation holds; 2) Assume when n=k, ak=3k−21, then when n=k+1, ak+1=3ak+1ak=3×3k−21+13k−21=3k+11=3(k+1)−21, which means the equation also holds for n=k+1. In conclusion, for any natural number n∈N∗, an=3n−21. Thus, the final answer is an=3n−21.
Source: NuminaMath-1.5,
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