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

A man spends 75% of his income and saves Rs. 600. What is his total income?

View Question

What is the sum of all angles in a hexagon?

View Question

If two complementary angles differ by 30°, what are the angles?

View Question

The simple interest on Rs. 4000 at 5% per annum for 2 years is:

View Question

The area of an equilateral triangle with side length 6 cm is:

View Question

The angles of a quadrilateral are in the ratio 3:4:5:6. What is the largest angle?

View Question

What is the sum of the first 50 positive integers?

View Question

If a rectangle has a length of 10 cm and a width of 6 cm, what is its perimeter?

View Question

The LCM of 12 and 15 is:

View Question

If x + 1/x = 5, what is the value of x^2 + 1/x^2?

View Question