The first three terms of a sequence are given. Write your answer as a decimal or whole number. Round to the nearest thousandth (if necessary).

Answer 1

2 basic sequences: arithmetic or geometric

if arithmetic

an= a1+ d(n-1) where d=common difference, n= the number of terms, a1 = 1st term

for example

1,3,5,7,... d=2

a5 = 1+2(5-1) = 9 = next term in the sequence

if geometric

an = a1(r)^(n-1) where r = common ratio

for example

1,2,4,8,...has r=2

a5= 1(2)^4 = 16 = next term in the sequence