Using d = 2, what is the 5th term of the arithmetic sequence starting at 1?

In an arithmetic sequence, each term is generated by adding a constant difference to the previous term. The first term of the sequence given is 1, and the common difference (d) is 2.

To find the fifth term of the sequence, you can use the formula for the nth term of an arithmetic sequence, which is given by:

[ a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) \cdot d ]

Where:

• ( a_n ) is the nth term,

• ( a_1 ) is the first term,

• ( n ) is the term number,

• ( d ) is the common difference.

Using the values provided in the question:

• ( a_1 = 1 ),

• ( d = 2 ),

• ( n = 5 ).

Substituting these into the formula:

[ a_5 = 1 + (5 - 1) \cdot 2 ]

Calculating this step by step:

1. Start with ( 5 - 1 ) which equals 4.

2. Then multiply 4 by 2, resulting in 8.

3. Finally, add this to the first term: ( 1