Question

which word best describes this formula for the sequence $a_n$?
$a_n = -3a_{n - 2} + 3a_{n - 3} - 18n + 1$
options: explicit, recursive

Explanation:

A recursive sequence formula defines a term \(a_n\) using previous terms of the sequence. Here, \(a_n\) is defined using \(a_{n-2}\) and \(a_{n-3}\), which are earlier terms in the sequence. An explicit formula would define \(a_n\) solely in terms of \(n\) without referencing prior terms.

Answer:

recursive