Answer: Choice D
9, 30, 93, 282, 849
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Explanation:
The notation [tex]a_1 = 9[/tex] tells us that the first term is 9
The notation [tex]a_n = 3*(a_{n-1})+3[/tex] says that we multiply the (n-1)st term by 3, then add on 3 to get the nth term [tex]a_n[/tex]
So if we wanted the second term for instance, then we'd say
[tex]a_n = 3*(a_{n-1})+3\\\\a_2 = 3*(a_{2-1})+3\\\\a_2 = 3*(a_{1})+3\\\\a_2 = 3*(9)+3\\\\a_2 = 27+3\\\\a_2 = 30\\\\[/tex]
If we want the third term, then,
[tex]a_n = 3*(a_{n-1})+3\\\\a_3 = 3*(a_{3-1})+3\\\\a_3 = 3*(a_{2})+3\\\\a_3 = 3*(30)+3\\\\a_3 = 90+3\\\\a_3 = 93\\\\[/tex]
and so on.
The terms so far are: 9, 30, 93
You should find the fourth and fifth terms are 282 and 849 respectively if you keep this pattern going.
Therefore, the answer is choice D
