SAT ? of the Day 10/13/08

Sunday's answer:
Correct Answer: E

Here's Why:
If a formula gives the nth term of the sequence for all positive integers n, it must give the nth term of the sequence for n = 1, 2, 3, and 4. If n = 1, then 2n = 2 and n2 + 1 = 2, but the first term of the sequence is 3, so the general formula cannot be 2n or n2 + 1. Also, if n = 3, then 2n + 1 = 7 and 3n = 9, but the third term of the sequence is 11, so the general formula cannot be 2n + 1 or 3n. However, for n = 1, 2, 3, and 4, the values of n2 + 2 are 3, 6, 11, and 18, respectively. Therefore, the general formula for this sequence could be n2 + 2.

Difficulty: Medium
Question Type: Standard Multiple Choice
(Mathematics)

Today's ?

The following sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence contains no error, select choice E.

From its modest beginnings	as	a series of brief
	A

vignettes to	its establishment as	the
	B

longest-running prime-time animated series on

television, The Simpsons	transformed	the way
	C

both the	audiences and television programmers
D

view the animated sitcom.	No error
	E

1. (A)


2. (B)


3. (C)


4. (D)


5. (E)