How do I find the common difference of an arithmetic sequence?

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Answer 1 · 2017-06-22T08:11:03

To find out the common difference in an AP you can perform the following simple step.

Subtract the first term of the AP from the second term of the AP.

d = #a_2 # - # a_1#

where d = common difference
# a_2# = any term other than first term
#a_1# = previous term

For example;

In the AP
3 , 9 , 15 , 21 , 27 , 33

Taking #a_1# = 3
Taking #a_2# = 9

#a_2# - #a_1# = 9 - 3 = 6

hence , common difference or d = 6

Thanks

I hope this helps