Steven K. answered 03/09/21
Harvard/Yale Grad with 25+ years teaching and tutoring
Cameron, Because of the academic honesty policy, I do not believe I can answer your question directly. However, this question is fundamental to an understanding of series and sequences, and I urge you to master this material before moving on or you will have more trouble in the future. As a hint, pick out two examples for a--one of which is > 1 and one of which is < 1. Write out the first five terms of these two examples and add them together. See if that process suggests an answer to you. If you'd like more help, please see my profile and contact me about a lesson plan. Steve K.