Expert: Steve Holleran - 7/16/2007

Question
I am trying to find out the name of a particular mathematics subject. But I do not know what it is called. I was hoping you can help.

If you have a list of numbers, you can analysis it to see what the pattern is, using different methods, such as seeing how much each number increases by. For example, if the list of numbers was 20, 40, 60, 80, you can see the numbers are increasing by 20 each time.

What is the name of the area of mathematics called that can be used to find patterns in numbers or data. Also, what are the names of a few simple methods can be used to work out what the pattern in the data is.


Answer
Hello Markson,

I think the branch of math you are discussing is known as "Sequences and Series".  Within this branch are types known as Arithmetic sequences and series, in which the terms are separated by a common amount, like the example you gave; and Geometric sequences and series, in which the numbers are related by a common multiplier or divisor.

If you search under these names you will find an abundance of information.

Steve Holleran