Nth Term Formula:
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The nth term of an arithmetic sequence is the value of the term at position n in the sequence. It allows you to find any term in the sequence without listing all previous terms.
The calculator uses the arithmetic sequence formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the nth term by starting with the first term and adding the common difference (n-1) times.
Details: Understanding sequences is fundamental in mathematics and has applications in computer science, physics, finance, and many other fields.
Tips: Enter the first term of your sequence, the common difference between terms, and the term number you want to find. All values must be valid numbers.
Q1: What is an arithmetic sequence?
A: An arithmetic sequence is a sequence of numbers where the difference between consecutive terms is constant.
Q2: Can this formula be used for geometric sequences?
A: No, this calculator is specifically for arithmetic sequences. Geometric sequences use a different formula.
Q3: What if the common difference is negative?
A: The formula works the same way - the sequence will decrease by that amount each term.
Q4: How do I find the sum of the first n terms?
A: The sum can be calculated with \( S_n = \frac{n}{2}(2a_1 + (n-1)d) \) or \( S_n = \frac{n}{2}(a_1 + a_n) \).
Q5: What are some real-world applications?
A: Arithmetic sequences model situations with constant rate of change, like simple interest, linear depreciation, or regular savings.