Math Problem Statement

Identify the missing terms in the sequence below.$-18, [?], [?], -45, -54$

Solution

We are given the sequence: 18,[?],[?],45,54-18, \, [?], \, [?], \, -45, \, -54.

To identify the missing terms, let's check if there's a constant difference between consecutive terms. The differences between consecutive terms would help us understand the pattern.

Step 1: Find the difference between the last two known terms

The difference between 54-54 and 45-45 is: 54(45)=54+45=9-54 - (-45) = -54 + 45 = -9 Thus, the difference between 54-54 and 45-45 is 9-9.

Step 2: Check if the difference is consistent

If the difference is consistent, then we can apply the same difference to find the previous terms. Since 45(9)=54-45 - (-9) = -54, we expect a common difference of 9-9 throughout the sequence.

Step 3: Calculate the missing terms

  1. To find the term before 45-45, subtract 9-9 from 45-45: 459=36-45 - 9 = -36 Thus, the missing term before 45-45 is 36-36.

  2. To find the term before 36-36, subtract 9-9 from 36-36: 369=27-36 - 9 = -27 Thus, the missing term before 36-36 is 27-27.

  3. To find the term before 27-27, subtract 9-9 from 27-27: 279=18-27 - 9 = -18 This confirms the first term of the sequence is 18-18, as given.

Final Sequence:

The complete sequence is: 18,27,36,45,54-18, \, -27, \, -36, \, -45, \, -54

Conclusion:

The missing terms in the sequence are 27-27 and 36-36.

Would you like further details on how to identify patterns in sequences?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you determine if a sequence is arithmetic?
  2. What is the general formula for finding the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence?
  3. How do you distinguish between arithmetic and geometric sequences?
  4. How would you find the sum of an arithmetic sequence?
  5. Can you explain how to handle sequences where the difference between terms is not constant?

Tip: In an arithmetic sequence, the difference between any two consecutive terms is constant. Use this property to find missing terms easily.