What are the differences between arithmetic and geometric sequences?

An arithmetic sequence has a constant difference between each term.
For example: 2,4,6,8,10,12,…
We can see clearly that all the terms differ by +2.
We call this the common difference, d.

A geometric sequence has a constant ratio (multiplier) between each term.
An example is: 2,4,8,16,32,…
So to find the next term in the sequence we would multiply the previous term by 2.
This is called the common ratio, r.

These sequences are closely related as they both have the same first term, but I hope you can see how different they become if they have a common difference or a common ratio.
We can create a decreasing arithmetic sequence by choosing a negative common difference.
Similarly, a decreasing geometric sequence would have a common ratio of less than 1. 

Answered by Ryan J. Maths tutor

156712 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate y=3x^2+2x+4 and find the stationary points, decide if it is a local maximum or minimum.


Factorise and solve x^2-8x+15=0


f(x) = 4x^2 + 8x - 5 ; complete the square to find the turning point of f(x).


Solve the simultaneous equations. 2x+5y=-4 and 7x+y=19


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences