Ok so i an taking algebra 1 and this question is really confusing me. given the arithmetic sequence 15, 18, 21, 24, write the explicit formula for the sequence. part b: find the 56th term. if anyone can answer this , : ) i honestly have no idea why their asking for a 56th term.

You use the arithmetic sequence formula and input the information given to you.
tn = a + (n-1)d
t(56) is what your looking for so don't worry about the tn.
a is your first term,
a = 15.
n is the position of the term you are looking for, n = 56.
And d is the common difference, you find this by taking t2 and subtracting t1. t2=18 and t1=15.
d = 18 - 15 = 3
Inputting it all into the formula you get,
t(56) = 15 + (56-1)(3)
term 56 = 180.
You use this formula to find any term in a sequence provided you are given enough info. You can also manipulate it if you are asked to find something else like the first term(a), common difference(d) or term position(n). It just depends on what the question is asking and what information you are given. :)
Hope this helps!