In an arithmetic sequence, the first term is 5 and the fourth term is 40. Find the second term.

Question

n1= 5

n4= 40

Answer 1

a_n=a₁+(n-1)d

so first find d and then add it to a₁ to come up w the 2nd term. 

 

40=5+(4-1)d

35=3d

d=35/3 or 11 2/3

the 2nd term is 5+35/3=50/3