Find the Next Term 8 , -9 , -26 , -43

$8$ , $- 9$ , $- 26$ , $- 43$

This is an arithmetic sequence since there is a common difference between each term. In this case, adding $- 17$ to the previous term in the sequence gives the next term. In other words, $a_{n} = a_{1} + d (n - 1)$ .

Arithmetic Sequence: $d = - 17$

This is the formula of an arithmetic sequence.

$a_{n} = a_{1} + d (n - 1)$

Substitute in the values of $a_{1} = 8$ and $d = - 17$ .

$a_{n} = 8 + (- 17) (n - 1)$

Simplify each term.

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Apply the distributive property.

$a_{n} = 8 - 17 n - 17 \cdot - 1$

Multiply $- 17$ by $- 1$ .

$a_{n} = 8 - 17 n + 17$

Add $8$ and $17$ .

$a_{n} = - 17 n + 25$

Substitute in the value of $n$ to find the $n$ th term.

$a_{5} = - 17 \cdot 5 + 25$

Multiply $- 17$ by $5$ .

$a_{5} = - 85 + 25$

Add $- 85$ and $25$ .

$a_{5} = - 60$

Find the Next Term 8 , -9 , -26 , -43

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