Find the indicated terms of sequences given by a general term or by a recursive rule.

1. 1 · Write what is given and what is to be found. Copy aₙ, or the first terms and the recursive rule, and the terms asked for.
2. 2 · Write the formula or rule. For example aₙ = (−1)ⁿ (n + 2)/n, or aₙ = 3aₙ₋₁ − 1 with a₁ = 2.
3. 3 · Substitute n. Replace every n by the position number, in brackets: a₈ = (−1)⁸ (8 + 2)/8.
4. 4 · Simplify each term. Work out powers and signs first, then reduce the fraction.
5. 5 · For a recursive rule, build term by term. Find a₂ from a₁, then a₃ from a₂, and so on. Do not skip a term.
6. 6 · Check and box the answer. Box each term asked for.

Scoring tip: Put brackets around n when it is squared or carries a sign. Most errors come from the signs in (−1)ⁿ.