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Arithmetic Sequences


Mike McGarry
Lesson by Mike McGarry
Magoosh Expert

Summary
The essence of arithmetic sequences is explored, highlighting their definition, the formula for finding any term in the sequence, and practical applications in solving GMAT problems.
  • An arithmetic sequence is defined by the addition of a constant difference to go from one term to the next.
  • The formula for finding the nth term of an arithmetic sequence is a_n = a1 + (n-1)d, where a1 is the first term and d is the common difference.
  • Special cases of arithmetic sequences include consecutive integers, consecutive odd or even numbers, and sets of numbers that share a common remainder when divided by a particular divisor.
  • Understanding the underlying concept of arithmetic sequences and the derivation of their general formula is crucial for solving related GMAT problems.
  • Practical examples illustrate how to apply the formula to find specific terms within a sequence and solve typical GMAT questions.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Arithmetic Sequences
00:59
The General Formula for Arithmetic Sequences
04:27
Practical Applications and Problem Solving
05:16
Advanced Problem Solving with Arithmetic Sequences