How to solve recurrence relations?

Question

Say you have $a_{n+1}=4-a_n$ and $a_1=1$

In general, how do you find the formula for $a_n$?

Answer 1

This is typically done by writing out the first couple of steps and finding the pattern.

$a_1 = 1$

$a_2 = 4-1 = 3$

$a_3 = 4-3 = 1$

So we see then $a_n = 1$ if $n$ is odd and $3$ if $n$ is even.

Answer 2

$$a_{n+2}=4-a_{n+1}=4-(4-a_{n})=a_{n}$$

Hence $a_{n}$ has period $2$.

For even $n$:

$$a_n=a_2=3$$

For odd $n$

$$a_n=a_1=1$$

Answer 3

First, $$a_{n+1} = 4-a_n$$

$$\Leftrightarrow a_{n+1}+a_n = 4$$ The characteristic polynomial of the homogeneous part is $$ c(\lambda) = \lambda+1$$ which has its root at $\lambda^* = -1$.

Consequently the homogeneous solution is $$a_n = c\cdot(-1)^n$$ Since $a_1 = 1$, we can conclude that $a_1 = (-1)^1 + 2$ with $c = 0$.

Thus,

$$a_n = (-1)^n +2$$