Problem 65 - College Algebra

Question

Explain how to find the general term of an arithmetic sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

To find the general term of an arithmetic sequence, identify the first term and the common difference, then substitute these values into the formula \( a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) * d \).

Step 1: Identify the first term and the common difference

To find the general term of an arithmetic sequence, you firstly need to identify the first term \( a_1 \) and the common difference \( d \) between the terms.

Step 2: Apply the formula

Then, substitute the values of \( a_1 \) and \( d \) into the formula \( a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) * d \).

Step 3: Simplify the expression to get the general term

After substituting these values into the formula, simplify the expression to find the general term of the sequence \( a_n \).