To determine the type of sequence represented by the numbers \(9, 4, -1, -6, \ldots\), let's analyze the differences and ratios:
Arithmetic Sequence: In an arithmetic sequence, the difference between consecutive terms is constant.
- The difference between the first term (9) and the second term (4) is \(4 - 9 = -5\).
- The difference between the second term (4) and the third term (-1) is \(-1 - 4 = -5\).
- The difference between the third term (-1) and the fourth term (-6) is \(-6 - (-1) = -5\).
Since the difference is consistent (-5) for all terms, this sequence is classified as an arithmetic sequence.
Final Classification:
Arithmetic Sequence