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 .

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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

Look at the following set of numbers and determine if there is any property, if so, what is it?

\( 94,96,98,100,102,104 \)

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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