Math Problem Statement

What is the sixth term of the given sequence below?$-60, -49, -38, \cdots$

Solution

We are given the sequence: 60,49,38,-60, -49, -38, \cdots. To find the sixth term, we need to first determine the pattern in the sequence.

Step 1: Find the common difference

Let's calculate the difference between consecutive terms: 49(60)=49+60=11-49 - (-60) = -49 + 60 = 11 38(49)=38+49=11-38 - (-49) = -38 + 49 = 11 The common difference between consecutive terms is 1111.

Step 2: Use the common difference to find the next terms

The sequence is arithmetic, with a common difference of 1111. To find the sixth term, we will continue adding 1111 to each term.

  1. Fourth term: 38+11=27-38 + 11 = -27
  2. Fifth term: 27+11=16-27 + 11 = -16
  3. Sixth term: 16+11=5-16 + 11 = -5

Conclusion:

The sixth term of the sequence is 5-5.

Would you like to explore how to generalize this to find any term in an arithmetic sequence?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you find the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence?
  2. What is the sum of the first nn terms of an arithmetic sequence?
  3. How can you determine if a sequence is arithmetic or geometric?
  4. What are examples of arithmetic sequences in real-world scenarios?
  5. How can you solve for the common difference when it is not given directly?

Tip: The formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence is an=a1+(n1)da_n = a_1 + (n-1)d, where a1a_1 is the first term and dd is the common difference.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences

Formulas

Formula for the nth term of an arithmetic sequence: \( a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d \)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8