Question 1204531
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Don't overlook the fact that solving a problem like this informally using logical reasoning and simple arithmetic is good mental exercise and good problem-solving practice.<br>
You are given that the fifth number is 8, and that each number in the list is 3 more than the number before it.<br>
You are asked to find the first number in the list, which is four numbers before the fifth one.<br>
Going BACKWARDS in the list, each number is 3 LESS than the number AFTER it.  So to find the first number given that the fifth number is 8, subtract 3 from 8 four times to find the answer.<br>
8-4(3) = 8-12 = -4<br>
ANSWER: -4<br>