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] This applet is provided by Walch Education as supplemental material for the [i]CCGPS Coordinate Algebra[/i] program. Visit [url="http://www.walch.com"]www.walch.com[/url] for more information on our resources.