Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Arithmetic Sequence
An arithmetic sequence is a sequence of numbers in which the difference between consecutive terms is constant. This difference is known as the common difference. For example, in the sequence {4, 7, 10}, the common difference is 3. Understanding this concept is crucial for calculating terms and sums in the sequence.
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Sum of an Arithmetic Sequence
The sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic sequence can be calculated using the formula S_n = n/2 * (a_1 + a_n), where S_n is the sum, a_1 is the first term, and a_n is the nth term. This formula simplifies the process of finding the total of multiple terms without needing to add each term individually, which is essential for solving the given problem.
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Graph Interpretation
Interpreting graphs is vital in understanding the behavior of sequences visually. The graph of the arithmetic sequence {a_n} shows points that represent the terms of the sequence plotted against their indices. Analyzing these points helps in identifying the first term, common difference, and ultimately assists in calculating sums and differences between sequences.
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