Where Does the Formula for a Term in an Arithmetic Sequence Come From?

Where Does the Formula for a Term in an Arithmetic Sequence Come From?

Note:

Trying to find the value of a certain term in an arithmetic sequence? Don't want to go through the terms one-by-one to find the one you want? Use the formula to find the nth term in an arithmetic sequence! This tutorial shows you how find that formula!

Keywords:

  • skill
  • definition
  • formula
  • equation
  • sum
  • arithmetic sequence
  • sum of a sequence
  • formula
  • derivation
  • pattern
  • example

Background Tutorials

  • Write arithmetic and geometric sequences both recursively and with an explicit formula, use them to model situations, and translate between the two forms.

      • What's the Common Difference?What's the Common Difference?

      What's the Common Difference?

      Did you know that the constant you add to a term in an arithmetic sequence to get the next term has a name? It's called a common difference! This tutorial is a great way to learn more about the common difference of an arithmetic sequence.

Further Exploration

  • Write arithmetic and geometric sequences both recursively and with an explicit formula, use them to model situations, and translate between the two forms.

      • How Do You Find the Nth Term in an Arithmetic Sequence?How Do You Find the Nth Term in an Arithmetic Sequence?

      How Do You Find the Nth Term in an Arithmetic Sequence?

      Got an arithmetic sequence? Trying to find a later term in that sequence? Don't want to keep adding the common difference to each term until you get to the one you want? Then use the equation for the nth term in an arithmetic sequence instead! This tutorial will show you how!