Which sequence is represented by the numbers 4, 10, 16, 21?

The sequence 4, 10, 16, 21 does not fit the definition of either an arithmetic or geometric sequence.

An arithmetic sequence is characterized by a constant difference between consecutive terms. In this case, the differences between terms are as follows: from 4 to 10 is 6, from 10 to 16 is 6, but from 16 to 21, the difference is 5. Since these differences are not consistent, the sequence cannot be classified as arithmetic.

A geometric sequence involves a constant ratio between consecutive terms. When analyzing the ratios of the consecutive terms (10/4, 16/10, 21/16), it quickly becomes clear that they are not the same. Therefore, this sequence does not exhibit the properties required to be geometric either.

The term "linear" can sometimes refer to sequences following a linear function, but in this context, it is not applicable as the term "linear" is often associated with graphical representations of relationships rather than the sequence itself.

Since the sequence does not adhere to the definitions of arithmetic or geometric sequences, it is correctly identified as neither.