# Math Help - Arithmetic Sequence

1. ## Arithmetic Sequence

An arithmetic sequence is given for each question below whose initial term a and common difference d are also given. What is the firth term?

(1) a = 6; d = -2

(2) a = sqrt{2}; d = sqrt{2}

2. Originally Posted by magentarita
An arithmetic sequence is given for each question below whose initial term a and common difference d are also given. What is the firth term?

(1) a = 6; d = -2

(2) a = sqrt{2}; d = sqrt{2}
To find the nth term, $a_n$, in an arithmetic sequence, use the following formula:

$a_n=a_1+(n-1)d$, where the first term is $a_1$ and the common difference is $d$

(1) $a_5=6+(5-1)(-2)=??$

(2) $a_5=\sqrt{2}+(5-1)(\sqrt{2})=??$

3. ## I get it...

Originally Posted by masters
To find the nth term, $a_n$, in an arithmetic sequence, use the following formula:

$a_n=a_1+(n-1)d$, where the first term is $a_1$ and the common difference is $d$

(1) $a_5=6+(5-1)(-2)=??$

(2) $a_5=\sqrt{2}+(5-1)(\sqrt{2})=??$
Your easy steps and guidance has increased my understanding of precalculus. I hope you will help me when I enter calculus 1 not too long from now.