Arithmetic Sequences

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and formulas for arithmetic sequences.

Arithmetic Sequence

A sequence in which the difference between any two consecutive terms is a constant.

Recursive Formula for nth term of an arithmetic sequence

a n = a n − 1 + d for n ≥ 2

Explicit formula for nth term of an arithmetic sequence

a n = a 1 + d ( n − 1 )

Common Difference

The constant between two consecutive terms in an arithmetic sequence; the number added to any one term of an arithmetic sequence that generates the subsequent term.

How to find terms of an arithmetic sequence

By beginning with the initial term and adding the common difference repeatedly.

Recursive Formula for Arithmetic Sequence

a n = a n − 1 + d , n ≥ 2

Explicit Formula for Arithmetic Sequence

a n = a 1 + d ( n − 1 )

Common Difference (definition)

The difference between any two consecutive terms in an arithmetic sequence.

Altered Explicit Formula

a n = a 0 + d n