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. 

RJ
Answered by Ryan J. Maths tutor

160329 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Work out the value of 4a + 2b when a = 4 and b = 3.


Solve the following simultaneous equations, 1) 3x + 3y = 9 and 2) 4x + 2y = 13.


In an office there are twice as many females as males. 1/4 of females wear glasses. 3/8 of males wear glasses. 84 people in the office wear glasses. What is the total number of people in the office?


A particle P of mass 0.4 kg is moving under the action of a constant force F newtons. Initially the velocity of P is (6i – 27j) m s−1 and 4 s later the velocity of P is (−14i + 21j) m s−1 . Find, in terms of i and j, the acceleration of P.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning