Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An arithmetic sequence is a list of numbers where each term after the first term can be obtained by adding or subtracting a constant difference from its preceding term.
A geometric sequence is a list of numbers where each term after the first term can be obtained by multiplying or dividing a constant ratio from its preceding term.
Recursive Formula: A recursive formula defines the terms of a sequence by relating each term to one or more previous terms.
Common Difference: The common difference in an arithmetic sequence is the constant value that is added or subtracted to obtain subsequent terms.