Determine the Arithmetic Sequence Rule: What's the Pattern for 2, 10, 18?

Arithmetic Sequences with Linear Formula

What is the term-to-term rule of the following sequence?

2, 10, 18, ...

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find the sequence formula
00:04 Identify the first term according to the given data
00:08 Notice the constant difference between terms
00:13 This is the constant difference
00:19 Use the formula to describe an arithmetic sequence
00:25 Substitute appropriate values and solve to find the sequence formula
00:38 Properly expand brackets, multiply by each factor
00:46 Continue solving
00:54 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

What is the term-to-term rule of the following sequence?

2, 10, 18, ...

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the first term a1 a_1 of the sequence.
  • Step 2: Determine the common difference d d .
  • Step 3: Use the formula for the n n -th term of an arithmetic sequence.

Let's work through each step:

Step 1: The first term a1 a_1 of the sequence is 2.

Step 2: The common difference d d is calculated by subtracting the first term from the second term: 102=8 10 - 2 = 8 .

Step 3: Apply the formula for the n n -th term of an arithmetic sequence:
The formula is an=a1+(n1)d a_n = a_1 + (n-1) \cdot d .
Substitute a1=2 a_1 = 2 and d=8 d = 8 into the formula:

an=2+(n1)8 a_n = 2 + (n-1) \cdot 8

Simplify this expression:
an=2+8n8=8n6 a_n = 2 + 8n - 8 = 8n - 6

Therefore, the term-to-term rule for the sequence is 8n6 8n - 6 .

3

Final Answer

8n6 8n-6

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Pattern Recognition: Find common difference by subtracting consecutive terms consistently
  • Formula Application: Use an=a1+(n1)d a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d where a1=2 a_1 = 2 , d=8 d = 8
  • Verification: Check formula works: 8(1)6=2 8(1) - 6 = 2 , 8(2)6=10 8(2) - 6 = 10

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Using the wrong common difference
    Don't assume the pattern without checking all differences = wrong formula! Students often look at 2, 10, 18 and think the difference is 6 or 10. Always subtract consecutive terms: 10-2=8, 18-10=8 to confirm d=8.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Is there a term-to-term rule for the sequence below?

18 , 22 , 26 , 30

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know if this is really an arithmetic sequence?

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Check that the difference between consecutive terms is always the same. In this case: 10-2=8 and 18-10=8, so the common difference is 8.

Why do we subtract 1 from n in the formula?

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Because when n=1 (first term), we want a1 a_1 with no extra steps added. The formula a1+(n1)d a_1 + (n-1)d gives us a1+0=a1 a_1 + 0 = a_1 when n=1.

Can I write the formula in a different form?

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Yes! an=2+(n1)8 a_n = 2 + (n-1) \cdot 8 simplifies to an=8n6 a_n = 8n - 6 . Both forms are correct, but the simplified linear form is usually preferred.

What if I get confused about which term is which?

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Label your terms clearly: a1=2 a_1 = 2 , a2=10 a_2 = 10 , a3=18 a_3 = 18 . The subscript tells you the position in the sequence!

How can I check if my formula is right?

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Test it with the given terms! If your formula is 8n6 8n - 6 , then: 8(1)6=2 8(1) - 6 = 2 ✓ , 8(2)6=10 8(2) - 6 = 10 ✓ , 8(3)6=18 8(3) - 6 = 18 ✓

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