Topic Four (1.4): Arithmetic sequences

Introduction

A sequence is a set of numbers that follow a pattern. In this topic, you are going to look at two ways that we describe sequences by referring to the numbers in the sequence as terms. The first is a term-to-term rule that tells you how to get from one term to the next. We then look at describing a sequence using the position-to-term rule, which works out the value of the term from its position in the sequence. This is also known as the 'nth' term.

Warm Up

First complete the skill checker on page 1.

Note: If you need a refresher on substitution, try watching the first 1 min 9 secs of this MathsWatch video:

WATCH – Substitution (MathsWatch) Links to an external site.

Working through your course book

Start by watching this video, which introduces term-to-term rules

WATCH – Sequences - Term-to-Term Rule (MathsWatch) Links to an external site.

Next watch this video, which demonstrates how you would use a position-to-term rule:

WATCH – Sequences - Position-to-Term Rule (MathsWatch) Links to an external site.

and then this video, which explains how you would find a position-to-term rule:

WATCH – Sequences - Finding the nth Term (MathsWatch) Links to an external site.

Read and make notes on pages 1-3, copying out the worked examples.
Now see if you can answer the Band 2 questions on pages 5-7.
If you would like more practice, then work through these lessons on the MyMaths website:

EXPLORE – Sequences (MyMaths) Links to an external site.

EXPLORE – Arithmetic sequences (MyMaths) Links to an external site.

You may also want to watch the following Corbettmaths video:

Plenary

Play the sequence search game on slide 9!

PLAY – Arithmetic sequences (MyMaths) (slide 9 only) Links to an external site.

Support activities for this topic

The Band 1 questions on pages 3-5 will help build your skills on this topic.

Extension activities for this topic

If you would like more of a challenge on this topic, go to pages 7-8 and attempt the Band 3 questions.