Question

A sequence has a second term of 1 and a common difference of -3. The fifth term of the sequence is _____. -11 -8 -5 10

Answer 1

- 8

Explanation:

The terms in an arithmetic sequence ar

a, a + d, a + 2d, ...... , a + (n - 1)d

Each term in the sequence is obtained by adding the common difference (d) to the previous term, that is

a₂ = 1

a₃ = a₂ + d = 1 - 3 = - 2

a₄ = a₃ + d = - 2 - 3 = - 5

a₅ = a₄ + d = - 5 - 3 = - 8

Answer 2

-8

Explanation:

Let the sequence be X.

Xn=a+(n-1)*d

where, n: nth term

a: first term

d: common difference

Given, X2=1

Then, 1=a+(2-1)*-3

or,a=1+3=4

So,X5=4+(5-1)*-3

or,X5=4+(4*(-3))

or,X5=4-12=-8