Question

im trying to cut down on how many cupcakes i buy. two weeks ago i bought 12 cupcakes and then last week i bought 9. please help me continue this pattern.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the pattern

Two weeks ago: 12 cupcakes, last week: 9 cupcakes. The difference is \( 12 - 9 = 3 \). So the pattern is decreasing by 3 each week.

Step2: Calculate this week's cupcakes

Last week was 9, so this week: \( 9 - 3 = 6 \).

Step3: Calculate next week's cupcakes (if needed)

This week is 6, so next week: \( 6 - 3 = 3 \), and the week after: \( 3 - 3 = 0 \). But for continuing the pattern from last week (week 2:12, week3:9), the next (week4) should be \( 9 - 3 = 6 \), then week5: \( 6 - 3 = 3 \).

Answer:

To continue the pattern (decreasing by 3 each week), this week (week 4) you should buy 6 cupcakes, next week (week 5) 3 cupcakes, and the week after 0 cupcakes. For the immediate next in the pattern (after 9), the number is 6.