What is the formula for the nth term of the following sequence 1, 4, 9, 16?

The given sequence is 1, 4, 9, 16. To find the formula for the nth term, we first observe the pattern of the numbers. These numbers are perfect squares:

  • 1 is 1^2
  • 4 is 2^2
  • 9 is 3^2
  • 16 is 4^2

From this, we can deduce that the nth term of the sequence can be expressed as:

nth term = n2

Thus, for any integer n, the nth term will be the square of n. For example:

  • When n = 1, the term is 12 = 1
  • When n = 2, the term is 22 = 4
  • When n = 3, the term is 32 = 9
  • When n = 4, the term is 42 = 16

In conclusion, the formula for the nth term of the sequence is n2.

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