Question

The first two terms of a sequence are 4 and 12.   If the sequence is arithmetic, what is the next term?   If the sequence is geometric, what is the next term?

Answer 1

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

Case 1:  20; Case 2:  36

Case 1:  arithmetic sequence

The common difference is 8.  Notice that 4 + 8 = 12.

a(1) = 4; a(2) = 12; a(3) = 20; etc.

The common next term (3rd term) is 20.

Case 2:  geometric sequence

The common ratio is 3.  Notice that 4*3 = 12.

Multiplying this second term by the common ratio (3) results in the third term:  36.