Which of the following statements correctly determines the rule for generating the next term in the sequence 23, 19.5, 16, 12.5, . . .?

A. Multiply by the common difference of -3.5
B. Add the common ratio of -3.5
C. Multiply by the common ratio of -3.5
D. Add the common difference of -3.5

The rule for generating the next term in the sequence would be to subtract the common difference of -3.5. Therefore, the correct option is D. Add the common difference of -3.5.