Sequences & Series · Sequences

Arithmetic Sequence

an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1)d

Each term is obtained by adding a constant difference d to the previous term. Always diverges (unless d = 0).

Worked examples

Find the 10th term of 3, 7, 11, 15, ...
  1. a₁ = 3, d = 4. a₁₀ = 3 + 9(4) = 39

Answer: 39

Find d if a₁ = 5 and a₅ = 17.
  1. 17 = 5 + 4d → d = 3

Answer: d = 3

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