Question

Identify the sequence as arithmetic or geometric. 14, 11, 8, 5,

Answer 1

sequence is arithmetic

Explanation:

A geometric sequence has a common ratio r between consecutive terms.

An arithmetic sequence has a common difference d between consecutive terms, thus

11 ÷ 14 ≠ 8 ÷ 11 ≠ 5 ≠ 8 ← not geometric

11 - 14 = - 3

8 - 11 = - 3

5 - 8 = - 3

There is a common difference d between consecutive terms

Thus sequence is arithmetic.

Answer 2

Explanation:

This is an arithmetic sequence.

First term = a = 14

Second term = 11

Common difference = second term - first term

= 11 - 14

= - 4

Each term is got by adding (-4) to the previous term

Third term = 11 + (-4) = 11 -4 = 8