Arithmetic mean

The arithmetic mean between two numbers is the number half-way between the two
numbers. In other words, it is the average of the two numbers. The arithmetic mean
and the two terms form an arithmetic sequence.
For example, the arithmetic mean between 7 and 17 is calculated:
7 + 17
2
= 12

Arithmetic mean =

7; 12; 17 is an arithmetic sequence

T2 T1 = 12 7 = 5
T3 T2 = 17 12 = 5
Plotting a graph of the terms of a sequence sometimes helps in determining the type
of sequence involved. For an arithmetic sequence, plotting Tn vs. n results in the
following graph:

T9

Tn = a + (n 1)d

T8

Term: Tn

T7
T6
gradient d

T5
T4
T3
T2
T1
0

5
6
Index: n

If the sequence is arithmetic, the plotted points will lie in a straight line.
Arithmetic sequences are also called linear sequences, where the common difference (d) is the gradient of the straight line.

Tn = a + (n 1)d
can be written as Tn = d(n 1) + a
which is of the same form as y = mx + c

Chapter 1. Sequences and series