Grade - 10

MATHEMATICS

MODULE 1
SEQUENCES
Module Developers:
KORINA VILLANUEVA
JAYRON A. DEL ROSARIO
 I. Sequence and Series
Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. describe a sequence;
2. find the next term of a sequence;
3. determine the general term of a sequence;
4. solve the sum of a sequence.

 Introduction:

What’s next in the pattern?

1. 2.

3. 4.

Answer: 1. d, 2. d, 3. b, 4. b

Many objects around us exhibit patterns and sequence. Stacks of grocery boxes,
kilometer markers, and countdown timers are some examples that use patterns of numbers.
Application of concepts on patterns and sequence helps in dealing real life situations. Mother
Nature also involves complex mathematical designs that involves patterns and sequence. Like
the arrangement of the individual buds in the head of a sunflower that forms spirals.

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Sequence

 is an ordered list of numbers or objects.

 an arrange list of things or events.
 there must be a pattern in which these numbers or objects are organized.
 defined by 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , 𝑎4 , … , 𝑎𝑛 .

Let’s consider the set of even positive integers;

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, …

 each element of a sequence is called a “term”.

 each “term” is separated by a comma (,)
 we identify a term by its position in the
sequence

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, …
1st term 5th term
2nd term 4 term
th
6th term
3rd term

𝒏𝒕𝒉 term/ 𝒂𝒏

 the term that occurs in the 𝑛𝑡ℎ position of the sequence

 is sometimes called the general term

What is the next term in the sequence?

What is the 10th term?

What is the 𝑛𝑡ℎ term?

Answer: 14, 20, 2𝑛

How did we get 2𝑛 as the general term?

1st term 𝑎1 = 2 = 2(1)

2nd term 𝑎2 = 4 = 2(2)

3rd term 𝑎3 = 6 = 2(3)

4th term 𝑎4 = 8 = 2(4)

𝑛𝑡ℎ term 𝑎𝑛 = 2𝑛

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Exercise:
1. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, …

What is the next term in the sequence?

What is the 15th term?
What is the 𝑛𝑡ℎ term?

How did we get the general term?

1st term 𝑎1 = 5 = 5(1)

2nd term 𝑎2 = 10 = 5(2)

3rd term 𝑎3 = 15 = 5(3)

4th term 𝑎4 = 20 = 5(4)

𝑛𝑡ℎ term 𝑎𝑛 = 5𝑛

2. 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, … Answer: 30, 75, 5𝑛

What is the next term in the sequence?

What is the 9th term?
What is the 𝑛𝑡ℎ term?

How did we get the general term?

1st term 𝑎1 = 3 = (1)2 + 2

2nd term 𝑎2 = 6 = (2)2 + 2

3rd term 𝑎3 = 11 = (3)2 + 2

4th term 𝑎4 = 18 = (4)2 + 2

𝑛𝑡ℎ term 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛 2 + 2

Answer: 38, 83, 𝑛2 + 2

A sequence may be…

Finite OR Infinite

-contains a limited -an ellipsis (…) is

number of terms. found at the end
-has first and last of a sequence.
terms. -has first term but
has no last terms.

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Exercise:
Determine whether each sequence is finite or infinite.

1. 2, 5 8, 11, … , 26, 29
2. 0.1, 0.11, 0.111, … , 0.111111
3. −1, 5, − 25, 125, …
4. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15
5. −1, −2, −3, −4, …

Answer: 1. finite, 2. finite, 3. infinite, 4. finite, 5. infinite

Series

 the sum of the terms of a sequence. It is a group of numbers, separated by a plus sign
(+).
 The 𝒏𝒕𝒉 partial sum of a series is the sum of the first 𝑛 terms of the sequence. The
partial sum of the series is given by 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑛 .

What is 1 + 2 + 3 + . . . + 50 + 51 + . . . + 98 + 99 + 100?

A famous story tells that this was the problem given by an elementary school teacher to
a famous mathematician to keep him busy. Do you know that he was able to get the sum
within seconds only? Can you beat that? His name was Karl Friedrich Gauss (1777-1885). Do
you know how he did it? Let us find out by doing the activity below.

Adding the first 100 natural numbers from left to right would be time consuming. Gauss
considered another method. He added 1 and 100 to produce 101. He noticed that 2 and 99
have a sum of 101, and that 3 and 98 have a sum of 101. Thus the 100 numbers could be
thought of as 50 pairs, each with a sum of 101.

To find the sum of the 50 pairs, each with a sum of 101, Gauss computed
50 × 101 = 5,050

thus, the sum of the 1st 100 natural numbers is 5,050.

Exercise:

Find the sum of each of the following.

1. The first 100 even positive integers.

2. The first 50 natural numbers.
3. The first 26 whole numbers.

Answer: 1. 2,550; 2. 1,275; 3. 325

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 Q1 Worksheet No.1

 Application

Direction: Write your answer in a whole sheet of pad paper. Do not forget to write Q1
Worksheet No. 1 on the upper center. Show your
I. Find the first 5 terms of the sequence given the 𝑛𝑡ℎ term.
1. 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛 + 4
2. 𝑎𝑛 = 2𝑛 − 1
3. 𝑎𝑛 = 12 − 3𝑛
4. 𝑎𝑛 = 3𝑛
5. 𝑎𝑛 = (−2)𝑛

 Assessment
Direction: Write your answer in your YELLOW notebook. Do not forget to write Quiz #1 on the
upper center. COPY the given and ANSWER.
I. Complete the table by providing the indicated term.

General Term 𝒏𝒕𝒉 term Answer 𝒏𝒕𝒉 term Answer

1. 3𝑛 − 7 5th 11th
2. 𝑛2 + 5 10th 6th
1
3. − 𝑛 + 3 7th 25th
5
4. 9𝑛 − 8 14th 22nd
5. −3𝑛 − 5 13th 30th
6. −2𝑛2 2nd 7th
7. 𝑛 + 8 45th 65th
3
8. 𝑛−4 24th 60th
4
𝑛+1
9. 15th 20th
2𝑛−1
𝑛
10. 12th 18th
2𝑛−1

II. Find the sum of each of the following.

1. odd integers from 1 to 100.
2. multiples of 3 from 15 to 45.
3. integers from 1 to 1,000.
4. even integers between 1 and 51.
5. Numbers tween 1 and 81 which are divisible by 4.

 Enrichment

Direction: Write your answer in a one whole sheet of pad paper. Staple this together
with Q1 Worksheet No.1.
1. Identify the different kinds of sequences and describe each (as many as you can).

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 II. ARITHMETIC SEQUENCE
Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

5. define an arithmetic sequence;

6. solve for the 𝑛th term of an arithmetic sequence;
7. solve for the sum of the terms of an arithmetic sequence.

 Introduction:
Solve the following problems below.
1.

2.

Answer: 1. 84; 2. 24

All of you must have been to movie theaters to watch movies with your friends or family
members. While booking your tickets, have you ever noticed the way the seating arrangements
are normally made at the movie theater? The number of seats in the previous row will always
be lesser than the next row by a specific number. This seating arrangement is normally in
an arithmetic sequence. Thus, it can be said that a sequence that decreases or increases by
a constant number is known as an arithmetic sequence.

Arithmetic Sequence

 sequence whose consecutive terms have a common difference 𝒅.

 the differences between all pairs of consecutive terms have to be equal.
 numbers may either progress in a positive or negative manner depending upon the
common difference.
 defined by
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
where 𝑎𝑛 = unknown term/general term
𝑎1 = first term
𝑛 = position of the missing term
𝑑 = common difference

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Arithmetic Mean

 terms between any two nonconsecutive terms of an arithmetic sequence.

Arithmetic Series

 the sum of the terms of an arithmetic sequence.

 In finding the 𝒏th partial sum of arithmetic sequence, we use
𝑛(𝑎1 + 𝑎𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
2

 if 𝑎𝑛 is not given, we can use this formula

𝑛[2𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
𝑆𝑛 =
2

Example 1:
In the sequence 2, 5, 8, 11, 15, …

1) What is the next term in the sequence?

2) What is the 10th term?
3) What is the sum of the first 10 term?

Solution:

1) First, let’s determine the pattern of the sequence.

2, 5, 8, 11,

+3 +3 +3 +3

If you look closely at each term in the sequence, you will notice that it is obtained by
adding the previous term by 3. Thus, the common difference is 3. To obtain the next term we
can simply have 11 + 3 = 14 or using the formula for arithmetic sequence.
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑

Given: 𝑎1 = 2 and 𝑑 = 3
Since the missing term is the 5th term, then 𝑛 = 5.
Substitute the given to the formula;
𝑎5 = 2 + (5 − 1)(3)
𝑎5 = 2 + (4)(3)
𝑎5 = 2 + 12
𝑎5 = 𝟏𝟒

2, 5, 8, 11, 𝟏𝟒

2) To find for the 10th term of sequence we will use the formula 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑

Given: 𝑎1 = 2 and 𝑑 = 3
Since we will find for the 10th term, then 𝑛 = 10.
Substitute the given to the formula;
𝑎10 = 2 + (10 − 1)(3)
𝑎10 = 2 + (9)(3)
𝑎10 = 2 + 27
𝑎10 = 𝟐𝟗

Therefore, the 10th term is 29.

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 3) Now, we will determine the sum of the first 10 terms of arithmetic sequence, then we
will use the concept of arithmetic series.
𝑛(𝑎1 +𝑎𝑛)
We will use the formula 𝑆𝑛 = , since we have determined the 10th term of the
2
arithmetic sequence.

Given: 𝑎1 = 2, 𝑎10 = 29, and 𝑛 = 10

𝑛(𝑎1 + 𝑎10 )
𝑆10 =
2
10(2 + 29)
𝑆10 =
2
10(31)
=
2
310
=
2
𝑆10 = 𝟏𝟓𝟓

Therefore, the sum of the first 10 terms of the arithmetic sequence is 155.

Example 2:
In the sequence 17, 13, 9, 5, …

1) What is the next term in the sequence?

2) What is the 12th term?
3) What is the sum of the first 15 term?

Solution:

1) First, let’s determine the pattern of the sequence.

17, 13, 9, 5,

−4 −4 −4 −4

In the sequence, each term were added by −4 (or subtracted by 4). Thus, the common
difference is −4. To obtain the next term we can simply have 5 + (−4) = 1 𝑜𝑟 5 − 4 = 1; or
using the formula for arithmetic sequence 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑.

Given: 𝑎1 = 17 and 𝑑 = −4
Since the missing term is the 5th term, then 𝑛 = 5.
Substitute the given to the formula;
𝑎5 = 17 + (5 − 1)(−4)
𝑎5 = 17 + (4)(−4)
𝑎5 = 17 + (−16)
𝑎5 = 17 − 16
𝑎5 = 𝟏

Therefore, the next term is 1.

2) To find for the 12th term of sequence we will use the formula 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑

Given: 𝑎1 = 17, 𝑑 = −4, since we will find for the 12th term, then 𝑛 = 12
𝑎12 = 17 + (12 − 1)(−4)
𝑎12 = 17 + (11)(−4)
𝑎12 = 17 + (−44)
𝑎12 = 17 − 44
𝑎12 = −𝟐𝟕

Therefore, the 12th term is −27.

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 3) Now, we will determine the sum of the first 15 terms of arithmetic sequence, then we
will use the concept of arithmetic series.
𝑛[2𝑎1 +(𝑛−1)𝑑]
We will use the formula 𝑆𝑛 = , since the 15th term is unknown.
2

Given: 𝑎1 = 17, 𝑑 = −4, and 𝑛 = 15

𝑛[2𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
𝑆15 =
2
15[2(17) + (15 − 1)(−4)]
𝑆15 =
2
15[34 + (14)(−4)]
=
2
15[34 + (−56)]
=
2
15(−22)
=
2
−330
=
2
𝑆15 = −𝟏𝟔𝟓

Therefore, the sum of the first 15 terms of the arithmetic sequence is −165.

Example 3:
Insert 3 arithmetic mean between 4 and 20.

Solution:

Let’s illustrate the problem;

4, , , , 20

In order to find for the next term, we have to determine first the common difference.
Using this formula,
𝑎𝑛 − 𝑎1
𝑑=
𝑛−1

Let 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎5 = 20, 𝑎1 = 4, and 𝑛 = 5

𝑎5 − 𝑎1
𝑑=
5−1
20 − 4
𝑑=
5−1
16
𝑑=
4
𝑑=4

Now, we have a common difference of 4.

Just add 4 to the next term and so on.

4, 𝟖 , 𝟏𝟐 , 𝟏𝟔 , 20

+4 +4 +4 +4

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Example 4:
Supply the missing terms in the arithmetic sequence 2, 11, , 29, 38, ,

Solution:

In order to supply the missing terms, find for the common difference.

Let 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎4 = 29, 𝑎1 = 2, and 𝑛 = 4

𝑎𝑛 − 𝑎1
𝑑=
𝑛−1 𝑑 = 𝑎2 − 𝑎1
𝑎4 − 𝑎1
𝑑 = 𝑑 = 11 − 2
𝑛−1
29 − 2 𝑑=9
𝑑 =
4−1
27
𝑑 =
3
𝑑 =9

2, 11, 𝟐𝟎 , 29, 38, 𝟒𝟕 , 𝟓𝟔

+9 +9 +9 +9 +9 +9

 Application
Activity #2

Direction: Write your answer in your YELLOW notebook. Do not forget to write Activity #2 on
the upper center. COPY & ANSWER.
We need matchsticks (you can use toothpicks if matchsticks are not available) for this
activity. Caution! DO NOT PLAY WITH FIRE.
I. Below are squares formed by matchsticks.

II. Count the number of matchsticks in each figure and record the results in the table.

Number of squares 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Number of matchsticks

Questions:
1. Is there a pattern in the number of matchsticks? If there is, describe it.

2. How is each term (number of matchsticks) found?

3. What is the difference between any two consecutive term?

Page | 10
 Q1 Worksheet No.2
 Assessment

Direction: Write your answer in a whole sheet of pad paper (use extra if necessary).
Do not forget to write Q1 Worksheet No.2 on the upper center. Show your process.

I. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate terms that will make each given sequence an
arithmetic sequence.
1. 0.5, 1, 1.5, , ,
2. , 11, , 14
3. −4, , , 0,
4. , 6, , , , , −14
II. Find the required value in each arithmetic sequence.
1. If 𝑎1 = 12 and 𝑑 = −2, what is 𝑎19 ?
2. If 𝑎10 = 20 and 𝑎1 = 40, what is 𝑑?
3. If 𝑎1 = 15 and 𝑎8 = 39, what is 𝑎15 ?
III. Find the sum of each arithmetic series.
1. 4 + 9 + 14 + 19 + ⋯ + 54
2. 𝑆7 if 𝑎1 = 5 and 𝑎7 = 35

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 III. Geometric sequence
Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

8. define a geometric sequence;

9. solve for the 𝑛th term of a geometric sequence;
10. solve for the sum of the terms of a geometric sequence.

 Introduction:

Most of you have played with some sort of balls during your childhood days. Whether
you use a football or a basketball, you will notice that the height at which it bounces tends to
decrease every time it hits the ground. This decrease in the bouncing height is in a
geometric sequence. Thus, it can be said that the geometric sequence is basically a
sequence in which each term multiplies or divides by the same value from one specific term to
the next one. The value by which a term divides or multiplies is known as the common ratio.

The key difference between Arithmetic and Geometric Sequence lies in the fact
that while an arithmetic sequence has the difference between its two consecutive terms
remains constant, a geometric sequence has the ratio between its two consecutive terms
remains constant.

The difference between two consecutive terms in an arithmetic sequence is referred to

as the common difference. On the other hand, the ratio of two consecutive terms in a
geometric sequence is referred to as the common ratio.

Arithmetic Sequence Geometric Sequence

 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
 common difference
 variation is in linear form
 numbers may either progress in
a positive or negative manner
depending upon the common
difference
 operation is addition (or
subtraction)
 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 𝑛−1
 common ratio
VS  variation is in exponential form
 no such rule as the numbers
may progress alternatively in a
positive and negative
manner in the same sequence
 operation is multiplication (or
division)

Example: Determine whether each sequence is geometric or not.

1. 40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25

2. 2, 2 2, 4, 4 2, 8, 8 2
1 1 1 1 1
3. , , , ,
2 4 6 8 10

Answer:
1
1. Geometric sequence; common ratio=
2
2. Geometric sequence; common ratio= 2
3. Not geometric sequence

Example: Find the next term in the geometric sequence.

1. 3, 12, 48,
2. 120, 60, 30, 15,
3. 5𝑥 2 , 5𝑥 4 , 5𝑥 6 ,

Page | 12
Answer:
1. 3, 12, 48,

Solution:
𝑎2 12
𝑟= = =4
𝑎1 3
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑎4 = 3 ∙ (4)4−1 = 3 ∙ (4)3 = 3 ∙ 64 = 192

Therefore, the next term is 𝟏𝟗𝟐.

2. 120, 60, 30, 15,

Solution:
𝑎2 60 1
𝑟= = =
𝑎1 120 2
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 𝑛−1
1 5−1 1 4
1 15 1
𝑎5 = 120 ∙ = 120 ∙ = 120 ∙ = 𝑜𝑟 7 𝑜𝑟 7.5
2 2 16 2 2
Therefore, the next term is 𝟕. 𝟓.

3. 5𝑥 2 , 5𝑥 4 , 5𝑥 6 ,

Solution:
𝑎2 5𝑥 4
𝑟= = = 𝑥2
𝑎1 5𝑥 2
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑎4 = 5𝑥 2 ∙ (𝑥 2 )4−1 = 5𝑥 2 ∙ (𝑥 2 )3 = 5𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑥 6 = 5𝑥 2+6 = 5𝑥 8

Therefore, the next term is 𝟓𝒙𝟖 .

Geometric Mean

 terms between any two nonconsecutive terms of a geometric sequence.

Example: Find the missing terms (geometric means) in the geometric sequence.

1. , , 32, 64, 128

2. 256, , , −32, 16
1
3. 27, 9, , ,
3

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Answer:
1. , , 32, 64, 128
𝑎4 64
Solution: 𝑟= = =2
𝑎3 32

𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑎3 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 3−1
32 = 𝑎1 ∙ (2)2
32 = 𝑎1 ∙ 4
32
𝑎1 = =8
4
𝑎2 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 2−1
𝑎2 = 8 ∙ (2)1 = 8 ∙ 2 = 16

Therefore, the geometric sequence is , 𝟏𝟔, 32, 64, 128.

2. 256, , , −32, 16
𝑎5 16 1
Solution: 𝑟= = =−
𝑎4 −32 2

1
1 1
𝑎2 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 2−1 = 256 ∙ − = 256 ∙ − = −128
2 2
2
1 1
𝑎3 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 3−1 = 256 ∙ − = 256 ∙ = 64
2 4
Therefore, the geometric sequence is 256, −𝟏𝟐𝟖, 𝟔𝟒, −32, 16.

1
3. 27, 9, , ,
3
𝑎2 9 1
Solution: 𝑟= = =
𝑎1 27 3

2
1 1
𝑎3 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 3−1 = 27 ∙ = 27 ∙ =3
3 9
3
1 1
𝑎4 = 𝑎1 ∙ 𝑟 4−1 = 27 ∙ = 27 ∙ =1
3 27
1
Therefore, the geometric sequence is 27, 9, 𝟑, 𝟏, .
3

Geometric Series

 the sum of the terms of a geometric sequence.

 the sum of the first 𝒏 terms of a geometric sequence is given by the following formula:

𝑎1 (1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
 the sum 𝑺 of an infinite geometric series is given by:

𝑎1
𝑆=
1−𝑟

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Example: Find the sum of the geometric sequence below.

1. 3, 6, 12, 24, 48
2. first 10 term of the sequence 2, 2, 2, 2, …
1 1 1 1
3. , , , , …
2 4 8 16

Solution:

1. 3, 6, 12, 24, 48
𝑎2 6
𝑟= = =2
𝑎1 3
𝑎1 (1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
3(1 − 25 ) 3(1 − 32) 3(−31) −93
𝑆5 = = = = = 93
1−2 −1 −1 −1
Therefore, the sum of the 1st five terms of the geometric sequence is 𝟗𝟑.

2. first 10 term of the sequence 2, −2, 2, − 2, …

𝑎2 −2
𝑟= = = −1
𝑎1 2

𝑎1 (1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
2[1 − (−1)10 ] 2(1 − 1)
𝑆10 = = =0
1+1 2
Therefore, the sum of the 1st ten terms of the geometric sequence is 𝟎.

1 1 1 1
3. , , , ,…
2 4 8 16

1
1 4
𝑟= 2 = ∙ =2
1 2 1
4
𝑎1
𝑆=
1−𝑟
1
1 1 1
𝑆 = 2 = ∙− = −
1−2 2 1 2
𝟏
Therefore, the sum of the infinity geometric sequence is − .
𝟐

Page | 15
 Application Q1 Worksheet No.3

Direction: Write your answer in a whole sheet of pad paper (use extra if necessary). Do not
forget to write Q1 Worksheet No.3 on the upper center. Show your process.
You will perform the paper folding and do the recording in the table.
1. Start with a big square from a piece of paper. Assume that the area of the square is
64 square units.
2. Fold the four corners to the center of the square and find the area of the resulting
square.
3. Repeat the process three times and record the results in the table below.

Square 1 2 3
Area
Answer the following questions below.
1. Is there a pattern in the areas obtained after 3 folds?
2. You have generated a sequence of areas. What are the first 3 terms of the sequence?
3. Is the sequence an arithmetic sequence? Why?
4. Using the pattern in the areas, what would be the 6th term of the sequence?
 Assessment

Direction: Write your answer in your notebook. Do not forget to write Quiz #3 on the upper
center. COPY and ANSWER.
I. Determine whether each sequence is arithmetic, geometric, or neither.
1. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …
2. 9, −9, 9, −9, 9, −9
3. 0.1, 0.11, 0.111, 0.1111, …
4. 1, −3, 9, −27, 81, …
5. 0, 1, 4, 9, 16, …
6. 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 17, …
7. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, …
8. 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 16, …
9. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, …
10. 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, …

II. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate terms that will make each given sequence a
geometric sequence.
1. −1, , 13, ,
2. 2.5, , , , 9.5
3. 5 3, , , −7 3,
−8𝜋 2𝜋
4. , , , , −4
3 3
− 3 −5 3
5. , , , ,
3 6

III. Find the sum of each geometric series.

1. the first 5 terms of 3, 9, 27, …
2. 12 + 6 + 3 + ⋯

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IV. Harmonic & Fibonacci sequence
Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

11. define a harmonic and Fibonacci sequence;

12. solve for the 𝑛th term of a harmonic and Fibonacci sequence;

 Introduction:

HARMONIC SEQUENCE

A harmonic sequence is a sequence such that the reciprocals of the terms form an
arithmetic sequence.
1 1 1 1
If we take the reciprocals of the terms of the harmonic sequence , , , , … then the
2 4 6 8
sequence becomes 2, 4, 6, 8, … which is an arithmetic sequence. What is the next term in the
1 1 1 1
sequence , , , , …?
2 4 6 8
1
Answer:
10
1 1 1 1
How? Since the reciprocal of the harmonic sequence , , , is 2, 4, 6, 8. To determine
2 4 6 8
the next term of the harmonic sequence, first you will find the next term of its inverse.
2, 4, 6, 8,

+2 +2 +2
As shown above, we can see that the inverse of the harmonic sequence is an arithmetic
sequence. And we have a common ratio of 2:
𝑟=2

Use the arithmetic sequence formula

𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑

Since the missing term is the 5th term, we will find for the 5th term.
𝑎5 = 𝑎1 + (5 − 1)𝑑
𝑎5 = 2 + (4)(2)
𝑎5 =2+8
𝑎5 = 10
2, 4, 6, 8, 10

Since the next term in the arithmetic sequence is 10, get the inverse
1 1 1 1
Example: Find the next term in the harmonic sequence − ,− ,− ,− , ?
20 26 32 38
1
Answer: − 44

Solution: Get the reciprocal of the harmonic sequence,

−20, −26, −32, −38,

Now, it’s an arithmetic sequence. So using the arithmetic sequence rule, let’s find for
the next term.
𝑑 = 𝑎2 − 𝑎1 = −26 − (−20) = −26 + 20 = −6
𝑎5 = 𝑎4 + 𝑑 = −38 + (−6) = −38 − 6 = −44
−20, −26, −32, −38, −𝟒𝟒

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 1
Get the reciprocal of −44. Therefore, the next term in the harmonic sequence is − .
44

2 1
Example: Find the 10th term in the harmonic sequence 2, 1, , ?
3 2
1
Answer: 5

Solution: First, find the reciprocal of the harmonic sequence.

1 3
, 1, , 2
2 2
Now it’s an arithmetic sequence. So, using the arithmetic sequence rule, find the 10th
term.
1 2−1 1
𝑑 = 𝑎2 − 𝑎1 = 1 − = =
2 2 2
𝑎10 = 𝑎1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
1 1
𝑎10 = + (10 − 1)
2 2
1 1
𝑎10 = + (9)
2 2
1 9
𝑎10 = +
2 2
10
𝑎10 = =5
2
1
Get the reciprocal of 5 and that is .
5

FIBONACCI SEQUENCE

The “greatest European mathematician of the middle ages”, his full name was
Leonardo Pisano (Leonardo of Pisa). He was born in Pisa, Italy in 1175 AD.

He was known for his nickname “Fibonacci” short for filius Bonacci.
Fibonacci was used in the title of his book Liber Abaci (Book of the Abacus or
Book of Calculating) in 1202.

What is a Fibonacci Sequence?

A Fibonacci sequence is a sequence where its first two terms are either both 1, or 0
and 1; and each term, thereafter, is obtained by adding the two preceding terms. What is the
next term in the Fibonacci sequence 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, …?

0+1 =1 0, 1, 1
1+1 =2 0, 1,1, 2
1+2 =3 0, 1, 1, 2, 3
2+3 =5
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5
3+5 =8
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8
5 + 8 = 13
… 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …
Fibonacci numbers in nature
 Spiral arrangement of sunflower seeds
 The number of petals in a flower
 Shape of a snail’s shell

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 Note that the ratios of successive Fibonacci numbers approach the number Φ (Phi), also
known as the Golden Ratio. This approximately equal to 1.618.
The Golden Ratio can also be expressed as the ratio between two numbers, if the latter is
also the ratio between the sum and the larger of the two numbers. Geometrically, it can be
visualized as a rectangle perfectly formed by a square and another rectangle, which can be
repeated infinitely inside each section.

This ratio is visible in many works of art and architecture

such as in the Mona Lisa, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the
Parthenon. In fact, the human DNA molecule also contains
Fibonacci numbers.

Golden rectangle with the golden spiral

Parthenon

Mona Lisa

Human DNA Molecule

Notre Dame

Example: Given the Fibonacci sequence 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, … find the next term.

Answer: 55

Solution: To find the next term, just add the 2 preceding terms.
21 + 34 = 55

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 Application Q1 Worksheet No.4

Direction: Write your answer in a whole sheet of pad paper (use extra if necessary). Do not
forget to write Q1 Worksheet No.4 on the upper center. Show your process.
State whether the given sequence is arithmetic, geometric, harmonic, or
Fibonacci. Then, give the next term of the sequence.
1. 8, 16, 24, 32, …
1 1 1 1
2. , , , ,…
3 9 27 81

3. 1296, 216, 36, 6, …

4. 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, …
3 5 3
5. , 1, , ,…
4 4 2
1 1 1 1
6. , , , ,…
24 20 16 12

7. 2 2, 5 2, 8 2, 11 2, …
6 6 6 6
8. , , , ,…
11 17 23 29

9. 6, −18, 54, −162, …

8 8
10. 40, 8, , ,…
5 25

 Assessment

QUIZ

Direction: Write your answer in your notebook. Do not forget to write Quiz #4 on the upper
center. COPY and ANSWER.
Solve the following problems completely.

1. You open a bank account with an initial deposit of ₱5, 000. Every year, you earn an
interest of 1% in your account. Assuming that you do not deposit or withdraw any
amount from your account., how much money will it contain after 6 year?
2. Sonya runs a small store. She wants to display the cans of corned beef by stacking
them in the shape of a triangle. Sonya’s self can accommodate 7 rows of cans
stacked on top of each other. If each row has 2 cans more than the row above it,
and the topmost row contains 5 cans, how many cans did Sonya place at the
bottom?
3. For her birthday, Roanne bought a smartphone that costs ₱24, 300. Experts
1
estimate that the value of an electronic gadget depreciates by of its price every
5
year. How much would Roanne’s smartphone be worth after two years?
4. Benjie told Sheila that he would give her stamps for her collection. 2 stamps on the
first day, 4 stamps on the second day, 6 stamps on increasing the number of stamps
by 2 each day.
a. On what day will Benjie give Sheila 20 stamps?
b. How many stamps will Sheila receive on the 30th day?

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