Arithmetic Progression — Definition
An arithmetic progression is a sequence in which the difference between every two consecutive terms is constant.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
In an AP, we repeatedly add the same number called the common difference d. If the first term is a, then the nth term is found by an = a + (n - 1)d. The difference may be positive, negative, or zero.
Example
7, 11, 15, 19 is an AP with first term a = 7 and common difference d = 4.
Simple analogy
AP means same difference every step.
Common confusion
Students sometimes compare non-consecutive terms or use only one pair of terms and conclude too quickly.
Exam tip
Check at least two consecutive differences before calling a sequence an AP.
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