SOLUTION: Given the following elements of an arithmetic series, a1=3 and a5=-17, find a21. The correct answer is one of the following. Which one is correct? A) -51 B) -100 C) -9

Question 1198862: Given the following elements of an arithmetic series, a1=3 and a5=-17, find a21.
The correct answer is one of the following. Which one is correct?
A) -51
B) -100
C) -97
D) -92
Answer by greenestamps(13200) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Use the two given numbers in the sequence to find the common difference.

a5 is equal to a1 plus the common difference 5-1=4 times:

-17 = 3 + 4d
-20 = 4d
d = -5

Use that common difference and one of the given numbers to find the 21st term.

a21 is equal to a1 plus the common difference 21-1=20 times:

a21 = 3+20(-5) = 3-100 = -97

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