This site contains an online calculator that finds the nth term formula for a sequence entered by the user as the list of several terms.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
Homework assignments, individual investigations, or class activities
Technical Requirements:
Any browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
To provide students with an online calculator that uses pattern recognition to determine the nth term formula of an infinite sequence.
Target Student Population:
Calculus II Students
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Calculus of sequences and series.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This site provides users with an online calculator that generates an n-th term formula for an infinite sequence. The user enters the first (several) terms of any sequence and presses the button. After that the calculator uses pattern recognition and returns the suggested n-th term formula. The generated formula is checked then underneath to confirm that all the user entered values for the first n terms are matching.
Concerns:
Clearly, there is more than one formula that matches a pattern for a given set of first several terms. For example, 2,4,6,8,.. clearly matches f(n)=2n formula while this tool produces a lot more complicated expression.
Users can input only integer or decimal values. Fractions or irrational numbers are not accepted.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Both instructor and student can use this site in a Calculus course as an aid to demonstrate the concept and ways to define an infinite sequence. The site also contains a helpful paragraph on known common sequences as well as useful tips for finding the formula and FAQ section.
Concerns:
An explanation on why the same set of initial terms produce possible different nth term formulas would be helpful.
When the site is opened initially, the numbers 1, 2, and 3 are already typed in the box. Users should be careful to delete these numbers when entering their sequences.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
This site is very visually appealing and easy to use. Users can get started with no need for additional instruction.
Concerns:
A few ads are included throughout the page which might be a little distracting.
Creative Commons:
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