Definition
Term-to-term rule
A term-to-term rule finds each new sequence term from one or more earlier terms.
What it means
Start with the given term or terms, then repeat the instruction to move through the sequence. It is useful for finding nearby terms, but reaching a far position may take many steps.
Remember it
Use the term you have to make the term that comes next.
Example
Start at 11 and subtract 3 each time. The term-to-term rule produces 11, 8, 5, 2, −1, … because each new term is 3 less than the one before it.
Watch for
A term-to-term rule is incomplete unless enough starting term or terms are given to begin the sequence.
Common mix-up
A term-to-term rule describes local change; a position-to-term rule goes directly from a position number to its term.
Exact meaning
A term-to-term rule specifies how to obtain each sequence term from one or more preceding terms, together with any required starting term or terms.