If Un = kn2 2 + pn, U1 1 = -1, U5 5 = 15, find the values of k and p.

If Un = kn2 ${}^2$ + pn, U1 ${}_1$ = -1, U5 ${}_5$ = 15, find the values of k and p.

Answer Details

Un = kn2 ${}^2$ + pn,

U1 ${}_1$ = -1,

U5 ${}_5$ = 15,

when n = 1
U1 = k(1)2 ${}^2$+ p(1) = -1
k + p = -1 --------eqn1
when n = 5
U5 ${}_5$ = k(5)2 ${}^2$+ p(5) = 15
25k + 5p = 15 --------eqn2
multiply eqn1 by 5 and eqn2 by 1
5k + 5p = -5 -------eqn3
25k + 5p = 15 -------eqn4
eqn4 - eqn3
20k = 20
k = 1
sub for k in eqn1
1 + p = -1
p = -1 -1 = -2