Sequences: GCSE Maths revision
A sequence is a list of numbers with a rule. Linear (arithmetic) sequences go up or down by the same amount. The nth term lets you find any term without listing them all.
Linear nth term
If the common difference is d, the nth term is dn + c. Find c using the first term.
3, 7, 11, 15, …
Try these questions
Cover the answers and have a go first. Worked solutions are underneath.
Find the next two terms of 5, 8, 11, 14, …
Find the nth term of 2, 6, 10, 14, …
Is 50 in the sequence 4n + 1?
Find the 20th term of 3n + 2
The nth term is n². Write the first four terms.
Common mistakes
- Using the first term as the coefficient of n.
- Checking a number is in the sequence without solving for n.
Answers and working
Frequently asked questions
What is a common difference?
The amount you add (or subtract) each time in an arithmetic sequence.
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