Recurrence Relations

Recurrence relations are mathematical formulas that define a sequence of numbers based on previous terms. They specify how each new term is calculated using one or more earlier terms, creating a pattern or rule that generates the sequence. Think of it like a recipe: knowing the initial ingredients (starting values), you follow the rule to produce the next step repeatedly. This concept helps in solving problems involving patterns, algorithms, or growth processes, making complex sequences manageable and predictable through iterative definitions.