Exercise · ZW-MONOTONE-SEQUENCE-005 · ★☆☆ Basic

Let \(a_n=n^2-6n\). Which statement is correct?

Choose one option.

Show answer
  • C. Not monotone: it first decreases and then increases

Explanation

Since \(a_{n+1}-a_n=2n-5\) is negative for \(n=1,2\) and positive from \(n=3\) on: \(a_1=-5,\ a_2=-8,\ a_3=-9,\ a_4=-8\).

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Review the concept: Monotone sequence

A real sequence \((a_n)\) is monotone when, as the index \(n\) grows, its terms either never decrease or never increase.

\[a_n\le a_{n+1}\ \ \forall n\quad\text{or}\quad a_n\ge a_{n+1}\ \ \forall n\]

More practice problems: monotone sequence

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