Complete the Arithmetic Sequence: 780, 770, 760, ...

Arithmetic Sequences with Decreasing Terms

Complete the sequence:

780,770,760, 780,770,760,\ldots

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Complete the sequence:

780,770,760, 780,770,760,\ldots

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we need to identify the pattern in the sequence and continue it accordingly.

The given sequence is: 780,770,760, 780, 770, 760, \ldots

Observe the first two terms: 780 780 and 770 770 . Notice that:

  • 770780=10 770 - 780 = -10

This indicates that each term decreases by 10. Applying the same logic to the next term:

  • 760770=10 760 - 770 = -10

Therefore, the sequence is an arithmetic sequence where each term decreases by 10 from the previous one.

To find the next three terms, subtract 10 from the last given term, 760 760 .

  • Next term: 76010=750 760 - 10 = 750
  • Next term: 75010=740 750 - 10 = 740
  • Next term: 74010=730 740 - 10 = 730

Thus, the completed sequence is 780,770,760,750,740,730 780, 770, 760, 750, 740, 730 .

Comparing with the provided multiple-choice answers, the appropriate choice is:

750,740,730 750,740,730

3

Final Answer

750,740,730 750,740,730

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Pattern: Find common difference by subtracting consecutive terms
  • Technique: Each term = previous term + common difference (760 - 10 = 750)
  • Check: Verify pattern holds: 780-770 = 770-760 = 760-750 = -10 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding instead of subtracting the common difference
    Don't add 10 to get 760 + 10 = 770, 780 = increasing sequence! This ignores that the sequence is decreasing. Always check if terms are getting larger or smaller, then apply the common difference correctly.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Complete the following sequence:

\( 1,3.\ldots \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know if the sequence is increasing or decreasing?

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Look at the first few terms! If each number gets smaller (780 → 770 → 760), it's decreasing. If each gets larger, it's increasing.

What if I get confused about positive and negative differences?

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Remember: decreasing sequences have negative common differences (-10), while increasing sequences have positive common differences (+5). The sign tells you the direction!

Can I use a formula instead of counting by tens?

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Yes! Use the formula: an=a1+(n1)d a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d where d is the common difference. For the 4th term: 780+(41)(10)=750 780 + (4-1)(-10) = 750

What if the numbers don't follow a clear pattern?

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Double-check your arithmetic! In arithmetic sequences, the difference between consecutive terms is always the same. If it varies, it might not be arithmetic.

How many terms should I find to complete the sequence?

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The question asks for the next three terms after 760, so find: 750, 740, 730. Always read carefully to see exactly what's being asked!

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