CCGPS CA 3.8.1 Example 2

Write a linear function that corresponds to the following arithmetic sequence: 8, 1, –6, –13, …

[list=1] [*]Find the common difference by subtracting two successive terms. [*]Confirm that the difference is the same between all of the terms. [*]Identify the first term [math](a_1)[/math]. [*]Write the explicit formula. [*]Simplify the explicit formula. [*]Write the formula in function notation. [/list]