Write a general formula for the arithmetic sequence given.
(A) $-5,-12,-19,-26,\dots$

• A. $a_n=7n-12$
• B. $a_n=-7n+2$
• C. $a_n=7n+2$
• D. $a_n=-7n-12$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the first term of the arithmetic sequence, usually denoted as \(a_1\). This is the starting value of the sequence.
2. Determine the common difference \(d\) by subtracting the first term from the second term: \(d = a_2 - a_1\).
3. Recall the formula for the general term (also called the nth term) of an arithmetic sequence: \(a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) \times d\).
4. Substitute the known values of \(a_1\) and \(d\) into the formula to express \(a_n\) in terms of \(n\).
5. Use this formula to find any term in the sequence by plugging in the desired value of \(n\).