Find the 5th term of the arithmetic sequence with a1 = 7 and d = -2.

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Multiple Choice

Find the 5th term of the arithmetic sequence with a1 = 7 and d = -2.

Explanation:
In an arithmetic sequence the same amount is added (or subtracted) each step, so the nth term is a1 plus (n−1) times the common difference d. Here, a1 = 7 and d = −2, so the fifth term is a5 = 7 + (5−1)(−2) = 7 + 4(−2) = 7 − 8 = −1. You can also see the pattern by listing terms: 7, 5, 3, 1, −1, …, each step subtracting 2, which confirms the fifth term is −1.

In an arithmetic sequence the same amount is added (or subtracted) each step, so the nth term is a1 plus (n−1) times the common difference d. Here, a1 = 7 and d = −2, so the fifth term is a5 = 7 + (5−1)(−2) = 7 + 4(−2) = 7 − 8 = −1. You can also see the pattern by listing terms: 7, 5, 3, 1, −1, …, each step subtracting 2, which confirms the fifth term is −1.

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