Question

Word Problem

Jeanette is writing the first five terms of an arithmetic sequence. She knows that f(1) is -27 and the common difference is 5. She believes that the first five terms are -27, -32, -37, -42 and -47. Is she correct? Justify your answer using complete sentences and proper grammar.

Answer 1

Jeanette is not correct. In an arithmetic sequence, to find the next number, you have to add the common difference. If the first number is -27, to find the next number you have to add 5, making the next number -22. The pattern of adding 5 would continue making the first 5 terms of the sequence : -27,-22,-17,-12,- 7.