The given sequence has the nth term defined by the formula:

$a_n = 3n - 2$

To find the first five terms, we substitute $n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5$ into the formula.

1. For $n = 1$:

$a_1 = 3(1) - 2 = 3 - 2 = 1$

2. For $n = 2$:

$a_2 = 3(2) - 2 = 6 - 2 = 4$

3. For $n = 3$:

$a_3 = 3(3) - 2 = 9 - 2 = 7$

4. For $n = 4$:

$a_4 = 3(4) - 2 = 12 - 2 = 10$

5. For $n = 5$:

$a_5 = 3(5) - 2 = 15 - 2 = 13$

Thus, the first five terms of the sequence are:

$1, 4, 7, 10, 13$

Let me know if you'd like more explanation or have further questions.

Related questions:

1. What is the general formula for the nth term of an arithmetic sequence?
2. How do you find the common difference in an arithmetic sequence?
3. How can we prove that the sequence $3n - 2$ is arithmetic?
4. What is the sum of the first five terms of this sequence?
5. How would the sequence change if the formula was $5n - 3$?

Tip: The formula $a_n = 3n - 2$ is linear, and its sequence represents an arithmetic progression where the difference between consecutive terms is constant.