How Do You Determine if a Sequence is Arithmetic or Geometric?

How Do You Determine if a Sequence is Arithmetic or Geometric?

Note:

You have a pattern in your sequence. Great! Think it might be an arithmetic or geometric sequence? If the sequence has a common difference, it's arithmetic. If it's got a common ratio, you can bet it's geometric. Practice identifying both of these sequences by watching this tutorial!

Keywords:

  • sequence
  • arithmetic sequence
  • geometric sequence
  • common ratio
  • common difference
  • solve
  • geometric
  • arithmetic
  • add
  • multiply
  • divide
  • subtract

Background Tutorials

  • Ratio Definitions

      • What's a Ratio?What's a Ratio?

      What's a Ratio?

      Ratios are everywhere! The scale on a map or blueprint is a ratio. Ingredients sometimes need to be mixed using ratios such as the ratio of water to cement mix when making cement. Watch this tutorial to learn about ratios. Then think of some ratios you've encountered before!

  • Arithmetic Sequences

      • What's an Arithmetic Sequence?What's an Arithmetic Sequence?

      What's an Arithmetic Sequence?

      See a pattern in a sequence? It might be an arithmetic sequence! Learn about arithmetic sequences by watching this tutorial.

      • 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.

      • What's a Sequence?What's a Sequence?

      What's a Sequence?

      Got a set of numbers? Are they in a particular order? If so, then you have a sequence! Take a look at sequences by watching this tutorial.

      • What's a Term in a Sequence?What's a Term in a Sequence?

      What's a Term in a Sequence?

      When you're looking at a sequence, each value in that sequence is called a term. This tutorial explains the definition of the term of a sequence. Take a look!

  • Consecutive Numbers

      • What are Consecutive Numbers?What are Consecutive Numbers?

      What are Consecutive Numbers?

      Consecutive numbers are numbers in counting order. They tend to come up in words problems. Take a look at this tutorial to learn all about consecutive numbers!

Further Exploration

  • Arithmetic Sequences

      • How Do You Find the Next Terms in an Arithmetic Sequence?How Do You Find the Next Terms in an Arithmetic Sequence?

      How Do You Find the Next Terms in an Arithmetic Sequence?

      To find the next few terms in an arithmetic sequence, you first need to find the common difference, the constant amount of change between numbers in an arithmetic sequence. Once you know the common difference, you can use it to find those next terms! This tutorial takes you through that process, so be sure to check it out!