Finding the constant difference in an arithmetic sequence
The purpose of this research was to provide a new approach for deriving the difference between two terms in an arithmetic sequence. If a constant difference between two points in an arithmetic sequence exists and the two points are known, along as the number of terms skipped- which must be greater than zero, then the number of terms skipped, the final and initial terms can be used to calculate the common difference. This was a more approachable way of solving arithmetic number sequence problems in order to further research in areas in mathematics and provide a faster way to solve arithmetic problems for school learners during tests and exams, enabling them to tackle questions they might find difficult. The procedure used was experimentation. It was used to test the hypothesis by conducting tests on different arithmetic number sequences through calculations and substituting in the values and working out the difference in order to draw conclusions to show the results. The arithmetic sequence formula was used to prove that the constant difference found was accurate. The formulas work for any arithmetic sequence, even, odd and more, providing an easier and approachable way to solve the mathematical problem. The research has yielded two formulas that can help find the constant difference between two points in an arithmetic sequence. Formula 1 accepts the hypothesis, while Formula 2 can be used when the position of the terms is known and was found serendipitously. With these formula, advancements in everyday life can be achieved and will help students greatly during testing.