Determining if a sequence is arithmetic

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    Arithmetic Sequence
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether the sequence defined by the formula An = 2 + 6n is an arithmetic sequence. Participants explore the characteristics of arithmetic sequences and calculate the first five terms of the series.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help in finding the first five terms of the series and determining if it is an arithmetic sequence.
  • Another participant states that for a sequence to be arithmetic, the difference between successive terms must be constant, represented as $$a_{n+1}-a_{n}=C$$.
  • Participants calculate the expression for $$a_{n+1}$$ based on the given formula and seek to find the difference $$a_{n+1}-a_{n}$$.
  • One participant suggests that the difference might be 1, expressing uncertainty.
  • A later reply calculates the difference and finds it to be 6, concluding that the sequence is indeed arithmetic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no explicit consensus on the arithmetic nature of the sequence until the final calculation is presented. Some participants express uncertainty about the difference between terms.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on the definition of arithmetic sequences and the specific formula provided. There is an assumption that the calculations are correct, but earlier uncertainty about the difference indicates potential for misunderstanding.

Who May Find This Useful

Students learning about sequences and series, particularly those studying arithmetic sequences in a mathematics context.

fluffertoes
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Question:

Find the first 5 terms of this series and determine if it is an arithmetic sequence.

An= 2 + 6n

Help please!
 
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Re: Sequences and series help ASAP please!

fluffertoes said:
Question:

Find the first 5 terms of this series and determine if it is an arithmetic sequence.

An= 2 + 6n

Help please!

If we have an AP, then we must have:

$$a_{n+1}-a_{n}=C$$ where C is some constant...is this what we have?
 
Re: Sequences and series help ASAP please!

MarkFL said:
If we have an AP, then we must have:

$$a_{n+1}-a_{n}=C$$ where C is some constant...is this what we have?

All the info i was given is what I put in the original question up there, yikes
 
Re: Sequences and series help ASAP please!

fluffertoes said:
All the info i was given is what I put in the original question up there, yikes

We are given:

$$a_{n}=2+6n$$

Therefore:

$$a_{n+1}=2+6(n+1)$$

So, what is the difference:

$$a_{n+1}-a_{n}$$ ?
 
Re: Sequences and series help ASAP please!

MarkFL said:
We are given:

$$a_{n}=2+6n$$

Therefore:

$$a_{n+1}=2+6(n+1)$$

So, what is the difference:

$$a_{n+1}-a_{n}$$ ?

1? I'm not sure
 
Re: Sequences and series help ASAP please!

fluffertoes said:
1? I'm not sure

Let's work it out...

$$a_{n+1}-a_{n}=\left(2+6(n+1)\right)-\left(2+6n\right)=\left(2+6n+6)\right)-\left(2+6n\right)=(2+6n)+6-(2+6n)=6$$

This tells us that any two successive terms in the given sequence differ by 6, which is a constant, and therefore we do have an arithmetic sequence. :)
 

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