Answer:
The nth term for the arithmetic sequence is given by:
[tex]a_n=a_1+(n-1)d[/tex]
where,
[tex]a_1[/tex] is the first term.
d is the common difference of two consecutive term.
n is the number of terms.
As per the statement:
Given the sequence:
20, 16, 12, 8, 4
This is a arithmetic sequence.
Here, [tex]a_1=20[/tex] with common difference(d) = -4
Since,
16-20 = -4
12-16= -4
8-12 = -4
4-8 = -4
To find the 5th term of the sequence.
Substitute the given values and n = 15 we have;
[tex]a_{15} = 20+(15-1)(-4)[/tex]
⇒[tex]a_{15} = 20 + (14)(-4)[/tex]
⇒[tex]a_{15} = 20 - 56 = -36[/tex]
Therefore, the 5th term of the given sequence is, -36
