In an arithmetic sequence, the difference between consecutive terms is constant. This difference is known as the common difference ($d$).

Given:

• First term ($a_1$) = 8
• Second term ($a_2$) = 16

The common difference is calculated as:

$d = a_2 - a_1 = 16 - 8 = 8$

Now, to find the third term ($a_3$), we use the formula for the $n$-th term of an arithmetic sequence:

$a_n = a_1 + (n-1) \cdot d$

For the third term ($a_3$):

$a_3 = a_1 + 2 \cdot d = 8 + 2 \cdot 8 = 8 + 16 = 24$

So, the third term is 24.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

1. How do you find the common difference in any arithmetic sequence?
2. What is the formula for the sum of the first $n$ terms of an arithmetic sequence?
3. How can you determine whether a sequence is arithmetic or geometric?
4. What if the first term and the common difference are negative? How does it affect the sequence?
5. How do you derive the $n$-th term formula for an arithmetic sequence?

Tip: Always check if the difference between consecutive terms is constant when identifying an arithmetic sequence.