A sequence x1,x2,x3,… x_1, x_2, x_3, \dots\,x1,x2,x3,… is defined by x1=2x_1 = 2x1=2 and xn+1=axn−5,n≥1x_{n+1} = ax_n - 5, \quad n \geq 1xn+1=axn−5,n≥1.
Find an expression for x2 x_2\,x2 in terms of aaa.
Show that x3=2a2−5a−5x_3 = 2a^2 - 5a - 5x3=2a2−5a−5.
Given that x3=20x_3 = 20x3=20, find the possible values of aaa.
178 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Maths Sequences and Series, covering 3.1 Arithmetic Sequences, 3.2 Arithmetic Series, 3.3 Geometric Sequences, 3.4 Geometric Series, 3.5 Sum to Infinity, 3.6 Sigma Notation, 3.7 Recurrence Relations, and 3.8 Modelling with Series. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.