To find the first five terms in the sequence defined by the formula \( a_n = n^2 - 2 \), we can calculate \( a_n \) for \( n = 1, 2, 3, 4, \) and \( 5 \):
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For \( n = 1 \): \[ a_1 = 1^2 - 2 = 1 - 2 = -1 \]
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For \( n = 2 \): \[ a_2 = 2^2 - 2 = 4 - 2 = 2 \]
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For \( n = 3 \): \[ a_3 = 3^2 - 2 = 9 - 2 = 7 \]
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For \( n = 4 \): \[ a_4 = 4^2 - 2 = 16 - 2 = 14 \]
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For \( n = 5 \): \[ a_5 = 5^2 - 2 = 25 - 2 = 23 \]
Putting it all together, the first five terms of the sequence are:
\(-1, 2, 7, 14, 23\)
Thus, the correct answer is:
negative 1, 2, 7, 14, 23