In An arithmetic sequence will add or subtract the same thing each time to find the next term. In this case we start with 10 and need to get to 40 on the 6th term. This is a difference of 30 that needs to be divided by 5 open spaces. You are adding 6 each time.
Explanation ============================== 275x=500-125x Move variable to the left side and change its sign 275x+125x=500 Collect the like terms 275x+125x=500 =====> 400x=500 Divide both sides of the equation by 400 400x/400=500 =======> x=5/4 which is the same as 1 1/4 or 1.25 Hope this helps : )