First-order linear recurrence relations, long-term behaviour and steady state

What this note covers

1. The general form and why it matters
2. Generating and tabulating the terms
3. Long-term behaviour: increasing, decreasing or steady state
4. Graphing the sequence and reading behaviour from the picture
5. Setting up the relation from a worded problem
6. The loan and savings connection
7. How recurrence relations are examined and what separates a top answer

7 sections · 12 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes