Question

Determine if the sequence below is arithmetic or geometric and determine the common difference / ratio in simplest form. 2,5,8,... ?

Answer 1

Arithmetic sequence with common difference of 3.

Explanation:

Arithmetic sequence:

The difference between consecutive terms is always the same, and this difference is called common difference.

Geometric sequence:

The quotient between consecutive terms is always the same, and this quotient is called common ratio.

In this question:

5 - 2 = 8 - 5 = 3

5/2 = 2.5 different of 8/5 = 1.6

This means that it is an arithmetic sequence with common difference of 3.