Topic Five (1.5): Other sequences

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

Last lesson we looked at arithmetic sequences, where the consecutive terms were found by adding or subtracting the same number. Today we consider other sequences, which have different patterns.

Consolidate Icon.png Warm Up

First complete the skill checker on page 9.

Interact Icon.png Working through your course book

  • Start by watching this video, which looks at some different sequences:

WATCH – Special Sequences (MathsWatch) Links to an external site.

  • Read and make notes on pages 9-11, copying out the worked examples.
  • Now see if you can answer the Band 2 questions on pages 12-14.
  • This interesting video shows where the Fibonacci sequence occurs in nature:

WATCH – The Fibonacci sequence (Twig) Links to an external site.

  • You may also want to watch the following Corbettmaths video on Fibonacci sequences:

Optional Activities Icon.png Plenary

You have a choice: you can end this lesson by playing a maths game, or watching a video (or even both, if you have time!)

Game-time!

You can complete your work on sequences with a fun challenge which revises continuing a sequence – can you escape the Jellymen?

PLAY – Escape to the city (MyMaths) Links to an external site.

Video 

Introducing the “Prince of Mathematics” Gauss, who at just seven years old developed a formula for triangular numbers.

WATCH – Number Theory: Gauss (Twig)  [Not available on sample course]

Bridge Icon.png Support activities for this topic

The Band 1 questions on page 12 will help build your skills on this topic.

Stretch Icon.png Extension activities for this topic

If you would like more of a challenge on this topic, go to pages 14-15 and attempt the Band 3 questions.