DETERMINING ARITHMETIC

TH
MEANS AND n TERM OF AN
ARITHMETIC SEQUENCE
For MATHEMATICS Grade 10
Quarter 1 / Week 2.a

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 FOREWORD

This Self-Learning Kit will serve as a response to

support access to modular distance learning during the
pandemic, providing basic knowledge and skills of student
performance in Mathematics.

In this learning kit, you will gain knowledge in

finding the arithmetic means and nth term of a given
arithmetic sequence. This will be your guide as you learn
new ideas about mathematical concepts. This kit includes
the following main features:

What Happened? In this part, students will

demonstrate what knowledge and skills they previously
acquired.

What To Learn? This part will provide students new

knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts
and principles.

What Have You Learned? This part will provide

students the opportunity to evaluate their critical and
analytical thinking skills and develop their higher ordered
cognitive skills.

With this learning kit, it is expected that this will

make mathematics education effective for all Filipino
learners.
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 OBJECTIVES:
1. Write the nth term formula of an arithmetic sequence.
2. Insert arithmetic means between given terms.
3. Show perseverance in solving the arithmetic mean
and nth term of an arithmetic sequence.

LEARNING COMPTENCY:
Determine the arithmetic mean and nth term of an
arithmetic sequence.
M10AL-1b-1.1

I. WHAT HAPPENED
PRE-ACTIVITIES/PRE-TEST:
You must be excited to flip over the pages and begin with the
lesson just as I am. But first, you need to answer the Pre-test to
measure how much you know about the topic.

I. Directions: Read each item carefully. Choose the letter of the

best answer. Write your answer in a separate sheet
of paper.

1. What is the common difference of the following arithmetic

sequence -3/4, -1/4 , 1/4, … ?
A.¼ B. ½ C. -1/4 D.2

2. Which of the following is an arithmetic sequence?

i. 8, -2, -12, -22 iii. 1, 2, 4 , 8, 16
ii. -19, -12, -5 , 2 , 9 iv. 0.6 , 0.9 ,1.2 , 1.8

A. ii only B. iii only C. i and ii D. iii and iv

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3. Find the 32nd term of the arithmetic sequence: -33, -13, 7, 27,
…
A. 650 B. 586 C. 588 D. 587

4. Write the nth term formula of the arithmetic sequence.

d = -3 , a2 = 18.
A. an = - 3n +21 C. an = -3n +24
B. an = 3n -21 D. an = 3n - 11

5. Determine the nth term for of the given sequence: 13, 8 ,3 , -

2,…
A. an = 3n +2 C. an = - 5n +18
B. an = 3n – 2 D. an = 5n +18

6. Find the arithmetic mean between 9 and 49.

A. 16 B. 20 C.29 D. 30

7. Given an = 3 + (n-1) (-9).What is the common difference ?

A. -1 B. -9 C. 3 D. 9

8. Insert three arithmetic means between 5 and 21.

A. 7, 9, 12 B. 9, 13, 17 C. 7, 13, 17 D. 7, 9, 13

9. Find the first term in the arithmetic sequence.

___ , 8 ,7, 5 , 4 ,…

A. 3 B. 9 C. 10 D.11

10. Given the sequence 3a – 5b, 2a – 4b,____,____, (-a – b) ,

insert two arithmetic means.
A. 2a – 3b, -2b B. a – 3b, -2b C. 2a + 3b, 2b D.a+3b,2b

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II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (nth term formula)
It is possible to develop a formula for each term of
an arithmetic sequence in terms of the first term a1
and the common difference d.

Consider Example 1. Given : 1,4,7,10,13,16,.. Label

each term in the sequence. The first term as a1 = 1,
second term as a2 = 4 ,third term as a3 = 7 and so
on.

To get the value of a2 we must add 3 , and

to get a3 we got to add 3.Each time to get
the next term in the sequence, we add 3 to
the previous term. 3 is called the common
difference.

Therefore, the nth term formula is an = a1 + (n-1) d

Plug in the values, we have, an = 1 + (n- 1)3 do the operation

an = 1 + 3n – 3 simplify
an = 3n – 2 nth term of the sequence.

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 Key Concept : nth Term of an Arithmetic Sequence
Sequence
The nth term an of an arithmetic sequence with a1 refer to the
first term , n refer to the number of terms and d refer to the
common difference is given by the formula : an = a1 + (n- 1) d .

Illustrative Examples:
1. Find the 20th term of the sequence 1 ,4 , 7,10,13,16,…
Given: a1 = 1 , d = 3 n = 20
Solution:
Substitute the value of a1, n and d into the formula :
an = a1 + (n-1) d.
a20 = 1 + (20- 1 ) ( 3 ) Substitute the given values
a20 = 1 + (19) (3) do the operation
a20 = 1 + 57 add
a20 = 58, the 20 term of the sequence 1, 4, 7, …
th

2. In the arithmetic sequence -7, -4 , -1 , 2,…, what term is 44?

Given : a 1 = - 7 , an = 44. d= -4 – (-7) = -4 + 7 = 3

Solution:
Substitute in the formula:
an = a1 + (n-1) d
44 = -7 + (n-1) 3 Substitute the given values.
44 = -7 + 3n - 3 do the operation
44 = 3n - 10 Simplify
3n = 10 +44
1/3 [3n = 54 ]1/3 Multiply the whole equation by1/3

n = 18

Therefore, 44 is the 18th term in the arithmetic sequence

-7, -4 , -1,2,…

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3. A pile of blocks has 60 blocks in the bottom row, 54 blocks in
the second row, 48 blocks in the third row and so on until there
is only 6 blocks on the top row. How many blocks are in the 8th
row? 10th row?

Given :
i. a1 = 60, d = -6 , n = 8
ii. ii. a1 = 60, d = -6, n = 10

Solution:
i. Solving for the number of blocks in the 8th row, a8:
an = a1 + (n-1) d use the nth term formula
a8 = 60 + ( 8-1) (-6) substitute the value
a8 = 60 + ( 7) (-6) do the operation
a8 = 60 + ( -42) add
a8 = 18 blocks in the 8th row

iii. Solving for the number of blocks in the 10th row, a10:

an = a1 + (n-1) d use the nth term formula

a10 = 60 + (10-1) (-6) substitute the value
a10 = 60 + (9 ) (-6) do the operation
a10 = 60 + (-54) add
a10 = 6 blocks in the 10th row

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4. Write the first four terms of an arithmetic sequence in which a1 = x
and d = 2x + 1.
Given : a1 = x , d = 2x + 1
Solution:
a. Solving for a2, n=2
an = a1 + (n-1) d. use the nth term
formula
a2 = x + (2-1) (2x +1) substitute the
value
a2 = x + (1) (2x +1) do the operation
a2 = x + 2x + 1 combine like terms
a2 = 3x +1

b. Solving for a3, n=3

an = a1 + (n-1) d.
a3 = x + (3-1)( 2x +1) substitute the values
a3 = x + (2) (2x +1) do the operation
a3 = x + 4x + 2 combine like terms
a3 = 5x + 2

c. Solving for a4, n=4

an = a1 + (n-1) d.
a4 = x + (4 -1) (2x +1) substitute the values
a4 = x + ( 3) (2x +1 ) do the operation
a4 = x + 6x + 3 combine like terms
a4 = 7x + 3

The first four terms are x, 3x + 1, 5x + 2, and 7x + 3.

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 ARITHMETIC MEANS:

If a, m , and b is an arithmetic When three terms form an arithmetic

sequence, then m is the sequence,the middle term is called the
arithmetic mean, and arithmetic mean between the other
m- a = b – m two.In the sequence 2, 4, 6, 8,… 4 is the
2m = a + b
arithmetic mean between 2 and 6; 6 is
m = a +b
the arithmetic mean between 4 and 8 ;
2
The terms between any two
4 and 6 are the arithmetic means
non- successive terms of an between 2 and 8.
arithmetic sequence are called
ARITHMETIC MEANS.

Illustrative Examples:

1. Find the arithmetic mean between 9 and 49.

Solution : m = a + b
2
m = 9 + 49
2
m = 29 , is the arithmetic mean between 9 and 49
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2. Insert three arithmetic means between 3 and 23.
3 , _____, ______, ______, 23.
Given ; a 1 = 3, a 5 = 23
Solution:
a. Finding d, when n=5:
an = a1 + (n - 1 ) d using the nth formula

a5 = 3 + ( 5 - 1) substitute the values

23 = 3 + 4d do the operation

¼[4d = 20] ¼ multiply the whole equation by ¼

d = 5, common difference
b. Solving for a2 , n=2 , substitute d = 5
a2 = 3 + 1(d) = 3 + 1 (5 ) = 8
c. Solving for a3, n=3 , substitute d = 5
a3 = 3 + 2(d) = 3 + 2(5) = 13
d. Solving for a4, n=4 , substitute d = 5
a4 = 3 + 3(d) = 3 + 3(5) = 18
Therefore, the three arithmetic means between 3 and 23
are 8,13,18.
Alternative Solution:
3 , ____, ______, _______, 23.
To find the second arithmetic mean. Get the
mean/average of 3 and 23 .
m = 3 + 23
2
m = 26 = 13
2
3, _____, 13,_____, 23.

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 Then, to find the first arithmetic mean, get the average of 3
and 13 is 8 ; and the third arithmetic mean is the average of
13 and 23 is 18.
3 , 8 , 13 , 18 , 23
3. Insert two arithmetic means between 3 and -24.
3 , ____, ______, - 24 .
Given ; a 1 = 3, a 4 = -24 , n = 4
Solution:
a. Finding d .
an = a1 + (n - 1 ) d use the nth formula
a4 = 3 + ( 4 - 1) d substitute the values
- 24 = 3 + 3d do the operation
3d = - 27 transposition method
1/3 [3d = -27] 1/3 multiply the whole equation by
1/3
d = -9
b. Solving for a2,:
a2 = a1 + d
a2 = 3+ (-9) substitute the values/do the operation
a2 = -6
c. Solving for a3,:
a3 = a2 + d
a3 = (-6) + ( -9) substitute the values/do the operation
a3 = -15

Therefore, the arithmetic means are -6 & -15.

Alternative Solution (Socratic Method):

3 , ____, ______, - 24 . We can find the common difference.
Let the “number “= d. We know that n is negative because
the numbers in the sequence are getting more negative.
d = -24 - 3 = -27 = -9
3 3

NOTE: If the last term and the first term are given.

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Use the formula: d=
a2 = a1 + d = 3 + (-9) = -6
a3 = a2 + d = (-6 ) + (-9 ) = -15
a 4 = a3 + d = (-15) + (-9) = -24
The sequence is 3 , -6 , -15 , -24 .
Therefore, the two arithmetic means are -6 and -15.

III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED

I. Arithmetic Matching Activity

Directions: Match the sequence in Column A to the correct nth term
formula in Column B. Write only the correct letter on your answer sheet.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

______ 1. 9, 16 , 23,…. a. an = 3n -11

______ 2. -6 , -2 , 2,… b. an = - 38 – 7n

______ 3. 31 , 24 , 17,… c. an = 7n + 2

______ 4. 1/3 , 1, 5/3 , … d. an = 4n -10

______ 5. - 8 , -5 , -2, … e. an = -7n +38

f. an = 2 n – 1
3 3

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 I. MATCHSTICK PATTERNS
Directions: Write your answer into the blank boxes and the nth term
formula of the given arithmetic sequence.

Pattern 1 2 3 4 … n .. 143
number
Number of
Matchsticks

III. Sequence Brain Teaser:

Directions: Fill in each unshaded blank cell to create arithmetic
sequence.

18 59
3

10 24

31 26 59

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POST-TEST:

IV. Multiple Choice

Directions: Choose the best answer. Write the letter and
the solutions on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What is the common difference of the sequence x, 4x,

7x , …?

A.5x B.3x C.2x D. x

2. For the sequence 100, 95, 90,…. Which term is 0?

A.19th B. 20th C.21st D. 25th

3. The first four terms of arithmetic sequence are 8, 14, 20,

and 26. What is the 12th term?

A.84 B. 80 C. 74 D. 68
4.What is the nth term formula of the
sequence 13, 9, 5, 1,…?

A. an = 4n +17 B. an =- 4n +17 C. an = 8n +11 D. an = 8n -17

5.Ferdinand saved 10 pesos on the first day of the year,12

pesos on the second day ,14 pesos on the third day and
so on, up to the end of the year. How much did he save
on the 365th day?

A.700 pesos B.718 pesos C.738 pesos D.768 pesos

6. What is the arithmetic mean between 15 and 59?

A. 37 B. 33 C. 28 D.25

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7.What are the second, third and fourth terms of the
arithmetic sequence 20 , _____,______,______, 56 ?

A.20,27,32 B.18,23,27

C.29,38,47 D.20,23,26,29

8.Six and 7 ½ are the means between the first and fourth
terms of an arithmetic sequence. What is the fifth and sixth
terms?

A.a5 = ½ , a6 = 10 C. a5 = 21/2 , a6 = 12

B. a5 = 3/2 , a6 = 10 D. a5 = ½ , a6 = 12

9.The 16th term of an arithmetic sequence is 48. If the

common difference is 3, find the first term.

A. 3 B. 5 C. 7 D. 9

10.If three arithmetic means are inserted between x and

13x, find the second arithmetic mean.

A.10x B. 9x C.7x D.4x

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 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF NEGROS ORIENTAL

SENEN PRISCILLO P. PAULIN, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

FAY C. LUAREZ, TM, Ed.D., Ph.D.

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Acting CID Chief

ADOLF P. AGUILAR
OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

NILITA L. RAGAY, Ed.D.

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

ROSELA R. ABIERA
Education Program Supervisor – (LRMS)

ARNOLD R. JUNGCO
Education Program Supervisor – (SCIENCE & MATH)

MARICEL S. RASID
Librarian II (LRMDS)

ELMAR L. CABRERA
PDO II (LRMDS)

Maricel T. Tropezado
Writer

Francel Marie T. Tropezado

Angelica G. Bajar
Illustrator/Lay-out Artist
____________________
ALPHA QA TEAM

CLAUDETH S. MERCADO
JEROME Y. SELORIO
JAMES D. RODRIGUEZ

BETA QA TEAM

ELIZABETH A. ALAP-AP VRENDIE P. SYGACO

EPIFANIA Q. CUEVAS MELBA S. TOMARONG
NIDA BARBARA S. SUASIN HANNAHLY I. UMALI

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 REFERENCES

Books

Callanta Melvin M., et.al. K to 12 Mathematics 10 Learner’s

Module. Department of Education, Philippines: REX
Book Store, 2015.

Callanta Melvin M., et.al. K to 12 Mathematics 10

Teacher’s Guide. Department of Education,
Philippines: REX Book Store, 2015.

Jose-Dilao, Soledad, Ed.D. and Bernabe, Julieta G.

Integrated Mathematics III(SEDIP), Department of
Education,Philippines, 2001.

Oronce, O., and Mendoza, M. E-math IV.Quezon City,

Philippines: Rex Book Store, Inc., 2010.

Website

Kaye, Richard. “Discrete Mathematics, Chapter 11:

Sequences and Series”. https://www.augusta.k12.va.
us/cms/lib/VA0100017/Centricity/Domain/766/
chap11.pdf

Pierce, Rod. “Math is Fun, Sequences and Series”. (2017).

https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/sequences-
series.html

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 SYNOPSIS
ANSWER KEY
As a learner, you will decorate
your life either with a simple and
complicated sequence with patterns.
You will have to fill up this missing term
and think how do you obtain the
solutions.
As a result of studying this topic,
you will be able to fill up this missing term
and calculate the value of the first term
(a1), the common difference (d), the
general term (an) and arithmetic mean
of an arithmetic sequence from the
information given about the sequence.
So, explore this self-learning kit and
apply the relevant formulas both
theoretical and practical contexts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maricel T. Tropezado is a secondary mathematics teacher III
at Negros Oriental High School. She obtained her Bachelor’s
degree in Secondary Education major in Mathematics and
Master of Arts in Education major in Mathematics at
Foundation University. She participated in the 2019 BE-MTS
International Research Conference at St. Paul University ,
Dumaguete City. She was one of the writers of
Mathematics Contextualized Teaching-Learning Materials
(Grade10) Phase IV.

ILLUSTRATOR
Francel Marie T. Tropezado is an Administrative Aid at
Negros Oriental State University, Graduate School. She is
a member of Dumaguete City Animation Guild.

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