Q. What is the next term of the arithmetic sequence?8,5,2,−1,−4
Identify sequence type: Identify the type of sequence.The sequence 8,5,2,−1,−4 appears to have a constant difference between its terms, which suggests it is an arithmetic sequence.
Determine common difference: Determine the common difference in the arithmetic sequence.To find the common difference, subtract any term from the term that follows it: 5−8=−3.
Verify common difference: Verify the common difference by checking it with another pair of consecutive terms.Check the difference between 2 and 5: 2−5=−3. This confirms that the common difference is indeed −3.
Find next term: Find the next term in the sequence by adding the common difference to the last term.The last term given is −4, so add the common difference to this term: −4+(−3)=−7.