1. **State the problem:** We have an arithmetic sequence: -9, -2, 5, 12, ... We need to find the first term $f(1)$ and the common difference $d$. 2. **Recall the formula for an arithmetic sequence:** $$f(n) = f(1) + (n-1)d$$ where $f(1)$ is the first term and $d$ is the common difference. 3. **Identify the first term:** The first term $f(1)$ is the first number in the sequence, which is $-9$. 4. **Find the common difference $d$:** The common difference is the difference between consecutive terms. Calculate $d$: $$d = f(2) - f(1) = -2 - (-9) = -2 + 9 = 7$$ 5. **Verify the common difference:** Check the difference between $f(3)$ and $f(2)$: $$5 - (-2) = 5 + 2 = 7$$ This confirms the common difference is $7$. 6. **Conclusion:** The first term is $f(1) = -9$ and the common difference is $7$. **Answer:** Option A.