If a1 = 2 and an = 3an − 1 + 1, then what is a3?

Answer 1

a1 = 2

an = 3an-1 + 1

the nth term is 3 times the previous term plus 1

a3 = 3a2 + 1

a2 = 3a1 + 1

a2 = 3(2) + 1 = 6+1 = 7

a3 = 3(7) + 1 = 21+1 = 22

a3 = 22