The first two terms of the arithmetic sequence are given. Find the indicated term.
A)-50
B)-76
C)-46
D)-64
E)-70

Question

The first two terms of the arithmetic sequence are given. Find the indicated term.  
A)-50 
B)-76 
C)-46 
D)-64 
E)-70

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We need to find the missing term in the arithmetic sequence. Let's call it "x". 
We know that the common difference between consecutive terms in an arithmetic sequence is constant. Let's call this common difference "d".

Using the information given: 
First term = -20 
Second term = -36

We can now find the common difference:

d = Second term - First term 
d = (-36) - (-20) 
d = -16

Now we can use the common difference to find the missing term, x.

Third term = Second term + d 
Third term = (-36) + (-16) 
Third term = -52

Therefore, the missing term in the arithmetic sequence is -52.

The closest answer choice to -52 is D, -64.

The First Two Terms of the Arithmetic Sequence Are Given