The given sequence is $9, 4, -1, -6, -11, \ldots$.

To find the pattern, let's examine the difference between consecutive terms:

1. $4 - 9 = -5$
2. $-1 - 4 = -5$
3. $-6 - (-1) = -5$
4. $-11 - (-6) = -5$

The difference between each term is $-5$, meaning this is an arithmetic sequence where each term decreases by 5.

To find the next term after $-11$:

$\text{Next term} = -11 - 5 = -16$

So, the next term in the sequence is $-16$.

Would you like more details on how arithmetic sequences work, or do you have any other questions?

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Related Questions:

1. What is the 10th term in this sequence?
2. How do you find the nth term of an arithmetic sequence?
3. What is the sum of the first 20 terms of this sequence?
4. Can an arithmetic sequence have an increasing pattern instead of decreasing?
5. How do you determine if a sequence is arithmetic or geometric?
6. What happens if the common difference in an arithmetic sequence is 0?
7. What is the formula for the sum of an arithmetic sequence?
8. How do arithmetic sequences apply in real-world scenarios?

Tip: In arithmetic sequences, understanding the common difference is key to finding any term in the sequence.