Learn on PengiBig Ideas Math, Algebra 2Chapter 8: Sequences and Series

Lesson 2: Analyzing Arithmetic Sequences and Series

In this Grade 8 lesson from Big Ideas Math Algebra 2, Chapter 8, students learn to identify arithmetic sequences by checking for a constant common difference between consecutive terms. They practice writing the nth term rule using the formula aₙ = a₁ + (n−1)d and apply it to find specific terms in a sequence. The lesson also introduces arithmetic series and teaches students how to find the sum of finite arithmetic series using Gauss's pairing method.

Section 1

Arithmetic Sequence

Property

An arithmetic sequence is a sequence where the difference between consecutive terms is always the same.

The difference between consecutive terms, anan1a_n - a_{n-1}, is dd, the common difference, for nn greater than or equal to two.

Examples

  • The sequence 6,11,16,21,26,6, 11, 16, 21, 26, \ldots is arithmetic because the difference is always 5. The common difference is d=5d=5.

Section 2

General Term of an Arithmetic Sequence

Property

The general term of an arithmetic sequence with first term a1a_1 and the common difference dd is

an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n - 1)d

Examples

  • To find the 20th term of a sequence where a1=5a_1 = 5 and d=4d = 4, use the formula: a20=5+(201)4=5+194=81a_{20} = 5 + (20 - 1)4 = 5 + 19 \cdot 4 = 81.

Book overview

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Chapter 8: Sequences and Series

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Defining and Using Sequences and Series

  2. Lesson 2Current

    Lesson 2: Analyzing Arithmetic Sequences and Series

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Analyzing Geometric Sequences and Series

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Finding Sums of Infinite Geometric Series

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 5: Using Recursive Rules with Sequences

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

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Section 1

Arithmetic Sequence

Property

An arithmetic sequence is a sequence where the difference between consecutive terms is always the same.

The difference between consecutive terms, anan1a_n - a_{n-1}, is dd, the common difference, for nn greater than or equal to two.

Examples

  • The sequence 6,11,16,21,26,6, 11, 16, 21, 26, \ldots is arithmetic because the difference is always 5. The common difference is d=5d=5.

Section 2

General Term of an Arithmetic Sequence

Property

The general term of an arithmetic sequence with first term a1a_1 and the common difference dd is

an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n - 1)d

Examples

  • To find the 20th term of a sequence where a1=5a_1 = 5 and d=4d = 4, use the formula: a20=5+(201)4=5+194=81a_{20} = 5 + (20 - 1)4 = 5 + 19 \cdot 4 = 81.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 8: Sequences and Series

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Defining and Using Sequences and Series

  2. Lesson 2Current

    Lesson 2: Analyzing Arithmetic Sequences and Series

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Analyzing Geometric Sequences and Series

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Finding Sums of Infinite Geometric Series

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 5: Using Recursive Rules with Sequences