Question

Select the next item in the sequence.

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

  B. 11.000

Step-by-step explanation:

The function looks like a reflected and translated exponential function with a horizontal asymptote near y = 11.000. The rate of change is decreasing so fast that the next value is expected to be very near 10.994. The closest one among the answer choices is 11.000.

_____

First differences are 0.811 and 0.011. The latter is about 0.0136 times the former. At that rate of change, we expect the next first difference to be about 0.000149, which would make the next number in sequence be about 10.9941—very little change from 10.994.

Clearly, first differences are not constant, so the function is not linear. Ratios of the numbers are not constant, so this is not an exponential (geometric) sequence. A reflected exponential function of the type described is a good fit.

With only 3 points given, the rule is not at all obvious. The next term could legitimately be anything you like, and a rule could be made that would fit it.