Topic Details (Notes format)

How to Identify Arithmetic vs. Geometric Sequences

Subject: Mathematics

Book: Maths Mastery

Arithmetic sequences have a constant difference (d) between terms (e.g., 3, 7, 11, ...), while geometric sequences have a constant ratio (r) between terms (e.g., 3, 6, 12, 24, ...). You can test by subtracting consecutive terms for arithmetic or dividing consecutive terms for geometric. Recognizing the sequence type helps select the correct sum formula: Sₙ(arithmetic) = (n/2)(2a₁ + (n–1)d), Sₙ(geometric) = a₁(1–rⁿ)/(1–r). These sequences model linear and exponential growth, vital in finance (loan payments vs. compound interest) and advanced math topics (series expansions, signals).

Practice Questions

If x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0, what are the roots?

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If the average of five consecutive odd numbers is 25, what is the largest number?

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The ratio of two numbers is 3:5, and their sum is 64. What are the numbers?

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A triangle has angles 60°, 60°, and 60°. What type of triangle is it?

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The sides of a triangle are 5 cm, 12 cm, and 13 cm. What type of triangle is it?

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If 2a + b = 10 and a - b = 4, what is the value of a?

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If 8x = 512, what is the value of x?

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The sides of a triangle are 13 cm, 14 cm, and 15 cm. What is its area?

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If a = 4 and b = 5, what is the value of (a+b)^2?

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If a+b = 10 and ab = 21, what is the value of a^3 + b^3?

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