SOLUTION

Step 1: Check if there is a common difference between successive terms

T2 T1 = 11 (15) = 4
T3 T2 = 7 (11) = 4
This is an arithmetic sequence with d = 4
Step 2: Determine the formula for the general term
Write down the formula and the
known values:

Tn
8
6

Tn = a + (n 1)d

a = 15;

d=4

Tn = a + (n 1)d

= 15 + (n 1)(4)

n
1

= 15 + 4n 4

= 4n 19

6
8

Tn = 4n 19

10
12
14
16
18

A graph was not required for this question but it has been included to show that the
points of the arithmetic sequence lie in a straight line.
Note: The numbers of the sequence are natural numbers (n {1; 2; 3; . . .}) and therefore we should not connect the plotted points. In the diagram above, a dotted line has
been used to show that the graph of the sequence lies on a straight line.
Step 3: Determine the number of terms in the sequence
Tn = a + (n 1)d
173 = 4n 19
192 = 4n
192
n=
4
= 48
T48 = 173
Step 4: Write the final answer
Therefore, there are 48 terms in the sequence.

1.1. Arithmetic sequences