8.

What is the next term in the pattern?

1, –1, 2, –2, 3, . . .

4

3

–4

–3

1 answer

To determine the next term in the pattern, let's examine the given sequence:

1, –1, 2, –2, 3, ...

By observing the pattern:
- The first term is 1 (positive).
- The second term is -1 (negative).
- The third term is 2 (positive).
- The fourth term is -2 (negative).
- The fifth term is 3 (positive).

We notice two things:
1. The absolute value of the terms increases by 1 each time.
2. The sign alternates between positive and negative with each term.

The fifth term is positive 3, so according to the pattern:
- The absolute value of the next term should be 4.
- The sign of the next term should be negative (since it alternates).

Thus, the next term in the pattern is –4.

So the answer is:
**–4**