Arithmetic Sequence Calculator

Enter the first term, common difference, and N-th to calculate the value of the N-th term and the sum of the arithmetic sequence.

Calculate the N-th Term and Sum of Arithmetic Sequence

N-th Term

Sum

What Is an Arithmetic Sequence?

An arithmetic sequence is a series of numbers in which the difference between any two consecutive terms is constant. This constant difference is called the common difference. For example, the sequence of even numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 is an arithmetic sequence with a common difference of 2.

How to Calculate the N-th Term of an Arithmetic Sequence?

The N-th term of an arithmetic sequence can be expressed with the formula:

\( a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) \cdot d \)

Where:

  • \( a_n \) is the value of the N-th term
  • \( a_1 \) is the value of the first term
  • \( d \) is the common difference
  • \( n \) is the number of terms

How to Calculate the Sum of the First N Terms of an Arithmetic Sequence?

The sum of the first N terms of an arithmetic sequence can be calculated using the following formula:

To calculate based on the first term, last term, and the number of terms:

\( S_n = \frac{n}{2} \cdot (a_1 + a_n) \)

Or,

To calculate based on the first term, common difference, and the number of terms:

\( S_n = \frac{n}{2} \cdot (2a_1 + (n - 1) \cdot d) \)

Where \( S_n \) is the sum of the first N terms.

Examples

Example 1: Given the first term of an arithmetic sequence as 20, with a common difference of 4, calculate the 5th term and the sum.

Solution:

Calculate the 5th term:

\( a_5 = 20 + (5 - 1) \cdot 4 = 20 + 16 = 36 \)

Calculate the sum:

\( S_5 = \frac{5}{2} \cdot (20 + 36) = \frac{5}{2} \cdot 56 = 140 \)

Example 2: Given the first term of an arithmetic sequence as 5, with a common difference of -1, calculate the 4th term and the sum.

Solution:

Calculate the 4th term:

\( a_4 = 5 + (4 - 1) \cdot (-1) = 5 - 3 = 2 \)

Calculate the sum:

\( S_4 = \frac{4}{2} \cdot (5 + 2) = 2 \cdot 7 = 14 \)

Example 3: Given the first term of an arithmetic sequence as 50, with a common difference of 6, calculate the 8th term and the sum.

Solution:

Calculate the 8th term:

\( a_8 = 50 + (8 - 1) \cdot 6 = 50 + 42 = 92 \)

Calculate the sum:

\( S_8 = \frac{8}{2} \cdot (50 + 92) = 4 \cdot 142 = 568 \)