The pattern described by the student is a simple arithmetic sequence decreasing by 5. The second number is 66, and as the pattern continues, it will reach negative numbers.
The student's question involves a simple arithmetic sequence where each term is created by subtracting 5 from the previous term, starting with 71. To find subsequent numbers in the pattern, you simply continue to subtract 5. This can be illustrated through the following steps:
Starting number: 71
Second number: 71 - 5 = 66 (The second number in the pattern is not 70, so option B is incorrect.)
Third number: 66 - 5 = 61 (Option D is incorrect, as the fourth number would be 61 - 5, not 65)
Fourth number: 61 - 5 = 56
And so on...
Following the pattern, we can see that with each step, the numbers will decrease by 5. Eventually, this will lead to negative numbers if the pattern is extended indefinitely, which makes option C correct: The pattern will eventually reach negative numbers.
The probable question may be:
A pattern follows the rule of subtracting 5. The first number in the pattern is 71. Which of the following statements is true about this pattern?
Additional Information:
Imagine you are stepping through this pattern, starting at 71. Each step involves subtracting 5 from the previous number. So, if you were to continue the pattern, you would perform the operation 71−571−5 and then repeat the process with the new result. This simple rule creates a sequence of numbers, each derived by subtracting 5 from the previous one.
Options:
A) The second number in the pattern is 66.
B) The third number in the pattern is 70.
C) The pattern will eventually reach negative numbers.
D) The fourth number in the pattern is 65.