First we find the common difference by subtracting consecutive terms: 9-5=4 13-9=4 17-13=4 So the common difference d=4 Then we learn the formula for the sum of the first n terms:and learn what the terms mean: n = the number of terms Sn = the sum of the first n terms a1 = the first term d = the common difference We substitute Sn=230, a1=5, and d=4 in and get Multiply 2*5 and get 10 Move the 4 in front of the (n-1) Distribute the 4 into the (n-1) Combine the 10 and the -4 getting 6 Clear the fraction by multiplying both sides by 2: Multiply the 2 times the 230 on the left getting 460. Cancel the 2's on the right: Now we have: Can you solve that for n? If not ask me how in the thank-you note form below and I'll get back to you by email. Edwin