Question

what would Excel predict as additional entries of the first two cells had the following data -1, -5 what would be the correct answer
-6, -7, -8
-9, -13, -17
-4, -3, -2
-1, 3 ,7

Answer 1

To determine what Excel might predict as additional entries based on the initial values of -1 and -5, we first need to analyze their relationship.

The first two entries you've provided are -1 and -5. The difference between -1 and -5 is:

\[
-5 - (-1) = -5 + 1 = -4
\]

This gives us a common difference of -4. This could indicate an arithmetic sequence where each subsequent entry is derived by subtracting 4 from the previous one.

To predict the next few values, we can continue the pattern:

- Next entry after -5:
\[
-5 - 4 = -9
\]
- Following that:
\[
-9 - 4 = -13
\]
- And again:
\[
-13 - 4 = -17
\]

This sequence yields: -9, -13, -17.

Here's how the options you provided line up:

1. **-6, -7, -8**: This does not fit the pattern.
2. **-9, -13, -17**: This fits the sequence we predicted.
3. **-4, -3, -2**: This does not fit the pattern.
4. **-1, 3, 7**: This does not fit the pattern either.

Therefore, the correct answer based on the predicted calculations and the options provided is **-9, -13, -17**.