Write a rule for the sequence.
3, –3, –9, –15, . . .
A. Start with 3 and add –6 repeatedly.
B. Start with –6 and add 3 repeatedly.
C. Start with 3 and add 6 repeatedly.
D. Start with 3 and subtract –6 repeatedly.
D. Start with 3 and subtract –6 repeatedly.
The correct answer is D. Start with 3 and subtract –6 repeatedly.
To determine the rule for the sequence, we analyze the differences between consecutive terms.
The difference between the first two terms is -3 - 3 = -6.
The difference between the second and third terms is -9 - (-3) = -6.
The difference between the third and fourth terms is -15 - (-9) = -6.
The pattern shows that we are subtracting -6 repeatedly to get the next term.
Therefore, the rule for the sequence is to start with 3 and subtract -6 repeatedly.