Find a particular term of a sequence from its general term

Follow this one with me, a step at a time. Try to guess each step first.

Worked example 1

The general term of a sequence is aₙ = 8n + 4. Find a₁₀.

Remember: The little number says which term you want: replace n by 10 everywhere in the general term.

Replace n by 10 in the general term.
a₁₀ = 8 × 10 + 4 = 80 + 4.
So a₁₀ = 84.

Common mistakes

Found the term next to the one asked for. The small number tells you exactly which term to use.
Added n instead of multiplying. A number written next to a letter means multiplication.
Left out the constant at the end of the general term.