Q. Find the common difference of the arithmetic sequence −5,−1,3,…Answer:
Identify Pattern: Identify the pattern in the sequence to determine if it is arithmetic.The sequence progresses from −5 to −1, then from −1 to 3. This suggests a consistent increase between terms, indicating an arithmetic sequence.
Calculate Common Difference: Calculate the common difference between the first two terms.The second term −1 minus the first term −5 equals 4(−1−(−5)=4).
Verify Difference: Verify the common difference by checking the difference between the second and third terms.The third term 3 minus the second term −1 also equals 43−(−1)=4.
Conclude Common Difference: Conclude that the common difference is consistent across the terms checked.Since both differences calculated are the same, the common difference for the sequence is 4.