a maths question

[spock1]

given that 2 is the first term and 6 is the constant difference, what are the first six terms of the sequence?

[jake-the-peg]

Oh they're just confusing you by writing the question in a strange sounding wayway.

The difference between each term in the sequence is 6 and it's constant - that is it's still 6 all the time.

So you have
2 for the first then +6 =8 for the second then +6 for the third etc. etc

[spock1]

thank you very much 'jake-the-peg' i'll tell her she should have been a bit clearer

thanks again for the help

[squarebear]

The 6 is the constant difference can also mean that each number is 6 less than the previous:

2, -4, -10,-16 and so on.

[stewey]

Jake, couldn't "6 is the constant difference" mean '-6'? Therefore, the sequence would be: 2, -4, -10, et.

[stewey]

Hi, Square. Amazing eh?........I typed my response, then went away for awhile before posting it.

[squarebear]

I guess great minds think alike. Either that or fools seldom differ :-)

[Waugh2]

I am sorry but I think you are wrong, squarebear and stewey - the question says the constant difference is 6, not -6.

[squarebear]

but the difference between 2 and -4 is 6.

[stewey]

You know, I've never heard the last part of that statement: very good:) I'm going to use it.

[jake-the-peg]

You're right guys it could.

I suspect my answer is what they want but yours is good too.

[Waugh2]

Ah well, I guess spock1 will just have to take his pick. For me the difference between 2 and -4 is not 6 but -6 and in maths textbooks the difference between the two would be made clear.

[MatydaLover]

Waugh2 is correct. The constant difference is 6 not -6. The absolute difference between 2 and -4 is 6, but to get from 2 to -4 needs the addition of -6. Constant differences are always added.

[stewey]

Ok, I just looked up 'constant difference', and it did state that they are always added. Then it went on with some examples of arithmetical sequences; however, they were all positive We all know that you can add negative numbers, so what is the correct answer?............I must admit at this point I don't know.

[mibn2cweus]

Since "difference" implies subtraction the question is somewhat ambiguous, IMO. In such cases I would resign myself to the traditionally accepted definition as stated above and go with the addition of six to each resulting term.

Hmmm . . . I don�t suppose phrasing the question as �constant change� would help none?