Key Ideas Week 1 (15/04/23)

1.1 – Sequences

 A sequence is a list of numbers that abide by some rule

 𝑇𝑛 is used to denote the nth term. It can also be thought of as the

'rule' for the sequence.

 For e.g. 4,7,10,13,16, … will have a 𝑇𝑛 =

 The recursive formula is an alternate way to present a sequence. For

the previous example the recursive rule would then be

 To check if a term is on a sequence or not, sub in and ensure that 𝑛 is

a positive integer.

1.2 – APs
 An AP is a specific sequence where each term differs by a common
difference

 For APs, 𝑇𝑛 =

 For APs, the recursive form is

1.3 – GPs
 A GP is a specific sequence where each term differs by a common
ratio

 For GPs, 𝑇𝑛 =

 For GPs, the recursive form is

1.4 – Problem Solving APs/GPs

 Easy questions will simply involving quoting their respective formulas
and subbing in.

 Medium questions will require solving inequalities or finding 𝑎/𝑟/𝑑

first before solving for the required answer

 Hard questions will make use of ______________________________.

 When doing GP related problems be on the lookout for alternate

terms which come from having a negative 𝑟!

e.g. Find the value of 𝑥 if 2, ___, 12.5 , 𝑥 ,78.125 form a GP