AlgebraUnit 2

Writing an explicit arithmetic sequence rule

An explicit rule gives a term directly from its index.

  • An explicit rule gives a term directly from its index.
  • When the first term is , use . There have been steps from .

Example 1

Write an explicit rule for this sequence, starting at .

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

Example 2

Write an explicit rule for this sequence, starting at .

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

Remember
Always state whether the first term is or .

Your turn

5 practice questions
Question 1

Write an explicit rule for this sequence, starting at .

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

Write an explicit rule for this sequence, starting at .

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

Write an explicit rule for this sequence, starting at .

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

Write an explicit rule for this sequence, starting at .

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

Write an explicit rule for this sequence, starting at .

10, 13, 16, 19.
Check answer10, 13, 16, 19. +3. +3. +3