The answer is: -2 because as x increases by 1 y decreases by -2
If there is one table (t=1) then 6 chairs (c=6) can be placed around the table, 2 along the length on each side and 1 at each end.
When t=2, and the tables are end to end (joined at their width) c=10, that is, 4 chairs on each side of the double table and 1 at each end. Each time a table is added c increases by 4 so we can write c=4t+2 the constant 2 being the single chair at each end. If the tables are separated then c=6t.
N = {15 +- root of ( 225 + 64) } / 2
= {15 +- root of 289 } / 24
= 15 + 17 } / 2 or { 15 -17 } /2
= 16 or -1
the first answer common ratio is t2/t1=32/16
=2
I'm not sure of the rest