1. **State the problem:** Find the general term (nth term) of the sequence 3, 8, 13, 18, ... 2. **Identify the pattern:** The sequence increases by 5 each time (8 - 3 = 5, 13 - 8 = 5, 18 - 13 = 5). This is an arithmetic sequence. 3. **Formula for the nth term of an arithmetic sequence:** $$a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d$$ where $a_n$ is the nth term, $a_1$ is the first term, and $d$ is the common difference. 4. **Apply the values:** - First term $a_1 = 3$ - Common difference $d = 5$ So, $$a_n = 3 + (n-1) \times 5$$ 5. **Simplify:** $$a_n = 3 + 5n - 5 = 5n - 2$$ 6. **Final answer:** The general term of the sequence is $$a_n = 5n - 2$$