To determine whether the sequence \(5, 10, 20, 25\) is arithmetic, geometric, or neither, we can analyze it as follows:
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Arithmetic Sequence: In an arithmetic sequence, the difference between consecutive terms is constant. Let's find the differences:
- \(10 - 5 = 5\)
- \(20 - 10 = 10\)
- \(25 - 20 = 5\)
The differences are \(5, 10, 5\), which are not constant. Therefore, the sequence is not arithmetic.
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Geometric Sequence: In a geometric sequence, the ratio between consecutive terms is constant. Let's find the ratios:
- \(\frac{10}{5} = 2\)
- \(\frac{20}{10} = 2\)
- \(\frac{25}{20} = 1.25\)
The ratios are \(2, 2, 1.25\), which are not constant. Therefore, the sequence is not geometric.
Since the sequence does not satisfy the criteria for either an arithmetic or a geometric sequence, we can conclude that it is neither.