Arithmetic Sequences Basics
Ever notice how some number patterns follow a simple "add the same amount each time" rule? That's an arithmetic sequence! In sequences like 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, ... each number increases by 5.
An arithmetic sequence is a list of numbers where the difference between consecutive terms is always the same. This consistent difference is called the common difference (often written as "d").
To check if a sequence is arithmetic, just subtract each term from the one that follows it. If you always get the same answer, it's arithmetic! For example, in -5, -3, -1, 1, 3,...:
- (-3) - (-5) = 2
- (-1) - (-3) = 2
- 1 - (-1) = 2
- 3 - 1 = 2
💡 The key to identifying arithmetic sequences is consistency! If the difference between consecutive terms stays the same throughout the entire sequence, you're looking at an arithmetic sequence.