AlgebraUnit 2

Finding an arithmetic common difference

An arithmetic sequence has a constant difference .

  • An arithmetic sequence has a constant difference .
  • Subtract a term from the next term: . Check every adjacent pair.

Example 1

Find the common difference of this sequence.

4, 7, 10, 13. +3. +3. +3

Example 2

Find the common difference of this sequence.

20, 15, 10, 5. -5. -5. -5

Remember
Compare consecutive terms in the same direction each time.

Your turn

5 practice questions
Question 1

Find the common difference of this sequence.

6, 10, 14, 18.
Check answer6, 10, 14, 18. +4. +4. +4
Question 2

Find the common difference of this sequence.

7, 5, 3, 1.
Check answer7, 5, 3, 1. -2. -2. -2
Question 3

Find the common difference of this sequence.

8, 15, 22, 29.
Check answer8, 15, 22, 29. +7. +7. +7
Question 4

Find the common difference of this sequence.

9, 6, 3, 0.
Check answer9, 6, 3, 0. -3. -3. -3
Question 5

Find the common difference of this sequence.

10, 13, 16, 19.
Check answer10, 13, 16, 19. +3. +3. +3
← All Algebra cardsReport a mistake