arithmetic progression
noun [ C or U ] mathematics specialized /ær.ɪθˌmet.ɪ.k prəˈɡreʃ.ən/ /er.ɪθˌmet̬.ɪ.k prəˈɡreʃ.ən/ (also arithmetic sequence, /ær.ɪθˌmet.ɪ.k ˈsiː.kwəns/ /er.ɪθˌmet̬.ɪ.k ˈsiː.kwəns/); (also old-fashioned arithmetical progression, uk/ær.ɪθˌmet.ɪ.kəl prəˈɡreʃ.ən/ us/er.ɪθˌmet̬.ɪ.kəl prəˈɡreʃ.ən/)
算术级数，等差数列，其中任何相邻两项以相同数量递增或递减，如3,6,9…, 或9,6,3
a sequence (= an ordered series of numbers) in which the numbers get bigger or smaller by the same amount, such as 3, 6, 9..., or 9, 6, 3
A computer search revealed an arithmetic progression consisting of 23 primes, the longest such sequence yet found. 电脑搜索显示了一个由 23 个素数组成的等差数列，这是迄今为止发现的最长的此类数列。
Thus the terms 1, 4, 7, 10 form an arithmetic sequence. 因此，1,4,7,10这四项构成一个等差数列。
Compare: geometric progression
- More examples
- In the following arithmetic progressions, the first three terms and the last term are given. Find the number of terms.
- A squirrel is collecting nuts. It collects 5 nuts on the first day of the month, 8 nuts on the second, 11 on the third and so on in arithmetic progression.
- Find which term of the arithmetic progression will next be equal to a term of the geometric progression.
- All his sculptures are based on a sequence of numbers, an arithmetical progression.
- They diminished the price of their produce in arithmetical progression.