In a data table with values increasing by a constant difference: 60, 72, 84, 96, what is the common difference?

In a data table with values increasing by a constant difference: 60, 72, 84, 96, what is the common difference?

• A. 6
• B. 12
• C. 18
• D. 24

Answer: (B)

This question tests understanding of the common difference in an arithmetic sequence—the same amount is added to each term to get the next one. Look at the numbers: 60, 72, 84, 96. The difference between consecutive terms is 72 − 60 = 12, 84 − 72 = 12, and 96 − 84 = 12. Because this increment is always the same, the common difference is 12. You can confirm by starting at 60 and adding 12 each time: 60 → 72 → 84 → 96. The other options wouldn’t fit the sequence since they would produce different-sized steps (for example, adding 6 would lead to 66 after 60, which isn’t in the list).

This question tests understanding of the common difference in an arithmetic sequence—the same amount is added to each term to get the next one. Look at the numbers: 60, 72, 84, 96. The difference between consecutive terms is 72 − 60 = 12, 84 − 72 = 12, and 96 − 84 = 12. Because this increment is always the same, the common difference is 12. You can confirm by starting at 60 and adding 12 each time: 60 → 72 → 84 → 96. The other options wouldn’t fit the sequence since they would produce different-sized steps (for example, adding 6 would lead to 66 after 60, which isn’t in the list).