This matches the given sum. Therefore, the first term is \(\boxed-4\).**Question:** A palynologist is analyzing pollen concentration data and models the relationship using a quadratic function. If the pollen concentration \( P(x) \) over time \( x \) is given by \( P(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \), and it's known that \( P(1) = 6 \), \( P(2) = 11 \), and \( P(3) = 18 \), determine the values of \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \). - go-checkin.com