Answer:

The number of cloverleaves doubles in size from the previous term:  

256 cloverleaves; 

t_n = 2^{n - 1} explicitly

^t_n ^{= 2(tn - 1)} recursive

DEFINITIONS:

Explicit function -- an explicit function of x is a function whose values are given by an explicit expression (algebraic or otherwise) in x.  For example, the equation y = 2x-3 gives values of y as an explicit function of x (solving for x in terms of y would express the value of x as an explicit function of y). Note: An explicit function that could be used to describe the nth stage (or term) would be Area = 2 x stage number – 1.  Using this type of function allows one to “jump” to the stage in question.  For example if you wanted the 7^th stage, substitute 7 for the stage number meaning Area = 2 x 7 – 1 = 14 – 1 = 13, or the 20^th stage would be Area = 2 x 20 – 1 = 40 – 1 = 39.[1]

Recursive notation --  a process that is inherently repetitive, with the result of each repetition usually depending upon those of the previous repetition.[2]