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Arithmetic Sequences

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Summary
Understanding arithmetic sequences is crucial for solving related problems on the GRE exam, focusing on identifying patterns, formulating the nth term, and applying this knowledge to solve practice problems.
  • An arithmetic sequence is defined by adding a constant to each term to get the next term, with examples including consecutive integers, odds, evens, and multiples of a number.
  • The nth term of an arithmetic sequence can be found using the formula a sub n = a sub 1 + (n - 1) * d, where d is the common difference.
  • Understanding the derivation of the formula for the nth term is emphasized over rote memorization for deeper comprehension and application.
  • Practice problems illustrate the application of the formula to find specific terms in a sequence and to solve for unknowns given certain terms.
  • The concept of evenly spaced lists as arithmetic sequences extends to sets of numbers that, when divided by a divisor, yield a fixed remainder.
Chapters
00:04
Introduction to Arithmetic Sequences
00:59
Formulating the nth Term
02:52
Generalizing the Formula
04:27
Applying the Formula: Practice Problems

Quiz

Word Problems