Question

Describe a pattern in each sequence. What are the next two terms of each sequence?

–5, 5, –5, 5, . . .
a
subtract 10 from the previous term; –5, 5
b
multiply the previous term by 1; 5, 5
c
add 10 to the previous term; –5, –15
d
multiply the previous term by –1; –5, 5

Answer 1

The pattern in the first sequence is that the value alternates between -5 and 5.

The next two terms of the first sequence would be -5 and 5.

In the second sequence, the pattern is that each term is the same as the previous term, 5.

The next two terms of the second sequence would be 5 and 5.

In the third sequence, the pattern is that each term is obtained by adding 10 to the previous term.

The next two terms of the third sequence would be -5 and -15.

In the fourth sequence, the pattern is that each term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by -1.

The next two terms of the fourth sequence would be -5 and 5.