For a given arithmetic sequence, the common difference, $d$, is equal to -7 , and the $88^{\text {th }}$ term, $a_{88}$, is equal to -624 . Find the value of the $38^{\text {th }}$ term, $a_{38}$.

Step 1 ：Given that the common difference, $d$, is equal to -7, and the $88^{th}$ term, $a_{88}$, is equal to -624.

Step 2 ：Using the formula for the nth term of an arithmetic sequence, $a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d$, we can substitute the known values to find the first term, $a_1$.

Step 3 ：Substituting $d = -7$ and $a_{88} = -624$ into the formula, we get $-624 = a_1 + (88-1)(-7)$.

Step 4 ：Solving the equation, we find that $a_1 = -15$.

Step 5 ：Now, we can use the same formula to find the $38^{th}$ term, $a_{38}$.

Step 6 ：Substituting $a_1 = -15$, $d = -7$, and $n = 38$ into the formula, we get $a_{38} = -15 + (38-1)(-7)$.

Step 7 ：Solving the equation, we find that $a_{38} = -274$.

Step 8 ：Final Answer: The 38th term of the sequence is \(\boxed{-274}\).