The n th term of an AP is (3n + 5). Find its common difference.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

n^th term of an AP = a_n = 3n + 5

Common difference (= d) of an AP is the difference between a term and its preceding term.

∴ d = a_n - a_{n - 1}

= (3n + 5) - (3(n - 1) + 5)

= 3n + 5 - 3n + 3 - 5

= 3

∴ Common difference = 3

The nth term of an AP is (3n + 5). Find its common difference.