nth term

1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16,.....
in the sequence the first term is one and each term after the first is half the proceeding term. which of following answers represents the nth term of this sequence, where n is positive?

its 1/2^n-1 because 1/2^3= 1/8 1/2^2=1/2 ------- but my coworker said its 1/2^n

Can someone explain to me if i am doing this correctly.

It depends whether or not the first term is considered to be term zero or term one.

the first term is 1.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tahirakw

the first term is 1.

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You did not understand reply #2, did you?

It depends on where we begin the index.

We could define it as for .
Then your coworker is correct

OR we could define it as for .
Then you are correct

Thank You