In sequence of \(9\) distinct numbers \(\{a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_9\},\) the \(nth\) term is given by \(a_n = a_{n-1} + b,\)

[VJesus12]

In sequence of \(9\) distinct numbers \(\{a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_9\},\) the \(nth\) term is given by \(a_n = a_{n-1} + b,\) where \(2\le n \le 9\) and \(b\) is a constant. How many of the terms in the sequence are negative?

(1) \(a_1 = 16\)

(2) \(a_5 = 0\)

Answer: B

Source: e-GMAT