SOLUTION: Look for a pattern and predict the next number in each sequence. Then find a+b. First sequence: 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, a; Second sequence: 1, -4, 9, -16, 25, b; I know the a

Algebra ->  Geometry-proofs -> SOLUTION: Look for a pattern and predict the next number in each sequence. Then find a+b. First sequence: 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, a; Second sequence: 1, -4, 9, -16, 25, b; I know the a      Log On


   

Question 1096796: Look for a pattern and predict the next number in each sequence. Then find a+b.
First sequence: 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, a;
Second sequence: 1, -4, 9, -16, 25, b;
I know the answer to a, but I've tried several times to figure out what b is. Can someone explain the second sequence to me? Thanks!
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20056) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1, -4, 9, -16, 25, 
1² = 1×1 = 1,  keep the positive sign, 1

2² = 2×2 = 4,  change the sign to -4

3² = 3×3 = 9,  keep the positive sign, 9

4² = 4×4 = 16  change the sign to -16

5² = 5×5 = 25  keep the positive sign, 25

So what's the answer?

Edwin