For the arithmetic sequence
a₁, a₂, a₃, ...,
the n-th term is
where d = the common difference
Because a₅ = 12.4,
a₁ + 4d = 12.4 (1)
Because a₉ = 22.4,
a₁ + 8d = 22.4 (2)
Subtract (1) from (2).
a₁ + 8d - (a₁ + 4d) = 22.4 - 12.4
4d = 10
d = 2.5
From (1),
a₁ = 12.4 - 4*2.5 = 2.4
Therefore
a₃₁ = 2.4 + 30*2.5 = 77.4
Answer: a₃₁ = 77.4
a₁, a₂, a₃, ...,
the n-th term is
where d = the common difference
Because a₅ = 12.4,
a₁ + 4d = 12.4 (1)
Because a₉ = 22.4,
a₁ + 8d = 22.4 (2)
Subtract (1) from (2).
a₁ + 8d - (a₁ + 4d) = 22.4 - 12.4
4d = 10
d = 2.5
From (1),
a₁ = 12.4 - 4*2.5 = 2.4
Therefore
a₃₁ = 2.4 + 30*2.5 = 77.4
Answer: a₃₁ = 77.4