Which of the following is an arithmetic sequence?
Options
- A2, 4, 16, 32
- B2, 3, 7, 1
- C3, 0, -3, -6
- D5, -5, 5, -5
Answer
The correct answer is option C: 3, 0, -3, -6, as it is the only sequence with a consistent common difference of -3. The other options do not have a uniform difference between their terms. Thus, C qualifies as an arithmetic sequence.
Explanation
To determine which sequence is an arithmetic sequence, we first need to understand what an arithmetic sequence is. An arithmetic sequence is a list of numbers where the difference between consecutive terms is always the same, known as the common difference. Let’s analyze each option: A. 2, 4, 16, 32 Differences: 4 - 2 = 2, 16 - 4 = 12, 32 - 16 = 16 This does not have a consistent difference, so it is not an arithmetic sequence. B. 2, 3, 7, 1 Differences: 3 - 2 = 1, 7 - 3 = 4, 1 - 7 = -6 Here the differences are not the same, hence it is not an arithmetic sequence. C. 3, 0, -3, -6 Differences: 0 - 3 = -3, -3 - 0 = -3, -6 - (-3) = -3 The common difference is consistent at -3, therefore this is an arithmetic sequence. D. 5, -5, 5, -5 Differences: -5 - 5 = -10, 5 - (-5) = 10, -5 - 5 = -10 The differences alternate between -10 and 10, so it is not an arithmetic sequence. Based on this analysis, option C: 3, 0, -3, -6 is the only arithmetic sequence due to its consistent common difference of -3.
