nurirachel wrote:
First, let's calculate a few terms to identify a pattern.
\(a_2 = a_1 * \frac{1}{2} = 2 * \frac{1}{2} = 1 = 2^0\)
\(a_3 = a_2 * \frac{1}{2} = 2 * \frac{1}{2} * \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2} = 2^{-1}\)
We can see that \(a_n\) can also be expressed as \(a_n = \frac{1}{2^{n-1}}\).
Therefore, Quantity A = \(a_6 = \frac{1}{2^{6-1}} = \frac{1}{2^5}\)
Quantity B can be simplified:
\(2^{14} (a_{20}) = 2^{14}(\frac{1}{2^{20-1}}) = 2^{14}(\frac{1}{2^{19}}) = \frac{1}{2^{19-14}} = \frac{1}{2^5}\)
Quantity A and B are equal.
Doesn't change the answer to the question, but I think the modified sequence is actually:
\(a_n = \frac{1}{2^{n-2}}\).
The way you have it,
\(a_2 = 1/2\) when it should be 1, as you note earlier in your response.