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

1 answer

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.