Which statement describes an arithmetic sequence?

• A. Each term is found by multiplying the previous term by the same number
• B. Each term is found by adding the same number to the previous term
• C. Terms are arranged in no particular order
• D. The sequence ends after a finite number of terms

Answer: (B)

An arithmetic sequence is a list of numbers where the difference between consecutive terms stays the same, so you get the next term by adding a fixed amount each time. For example, starting at 2 and adding 3 each step gives 2, 5, 8, 11, and so on. That consistent “add the same number” rule is what defines it.

The statement about multiplying the previous term by the same number describes a geometric sequence, where you multiply by a constant ratio, not add. If the terms are said to be in no particular order, that doesn’t describe a sequence with a rule, since a sequence is inherently ordered. Saying a sequence ends after a finite number of terms could be true for some arithmetic sequences, but it doesn’t define them.