Arithmetic Reasoning
Yesterday I presented a question about patterns.
The pattern is: 8, -2, 3, -7, -2, _____.
Do you know what number comes next in the pattern?
As an ASVAB tutor, I make sure to review patterns and sequences with the students in my ASVAB prep course. Many students are not a fan of patterns and sequences, but after I explain how to determine the pattern, they realize it is not as difficult as it seems.
To determine the above pattern, look at what happens from one number to the next.
8 to -2 decreased by 10.
-2 to 3 increased by 5.
3 to -7 decreased by 10.
-7 to -2 increased by 5
The pattern is decrease by 10, increase by 5, decrease by 10 and increase by 5.
The next number should decrease by 10.
8, -2, 3, -7, -2, ____
-2 increasing by 10 is 8
The pattern is 8, -2, 3, -7, -2, 8.
The answer is 8.
