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

[list=1][br][*]Find the common difference by subtracting two successive terms.[br][*]Confirm that the difference is the same between all of the terms.[br][*]Identify the first term [math](a_1)[/math].[br][*]Write the explicit formula.[br][*]Simplify the explicit formula.[br][*]Write the formula in function notation.[br][/list][br][br]This applet is provided by Walch Education as supplemental material for their mathematics programs. Visit [url="http://www.walch.com"]www.walch.com[/url] for more information on their resources.