Mathematics

Quadratic Sequences
What is a quadratic sequence?

 Unlike in a linear sequence, in a quadratic sequence the differences between

the terms (the first differences) are not constant
 However, the differences between the differences (the second differences)
are constant
 Another way to think about this is that in a quadratic sequence, the sequence
of first differences is a linear sequence

eg Sequence: 2, 3, 6, 11, 18, …

1st Differences: 1 3 5 7 (a Linear Sequence)

2nd Differences: 2 2 2 (Constant)

 If the second differences there are constant, we know that the example is
a quadratic sequence

What should I be able to do with quadratic sequences?

 You should be able to recognise and continue a quadratic sequence

 You should also be able to find a formula for the nth term of a quadratic
sequence in terms of n
 This formula will be in the form:

nth term = an2 + bn + c

(The process for finding a, b, and c is given below)

How do I find the nth term of a quadratic sequence?

 STEP 1
Work out the sequences of first and second differences
Note: check that the first differences are not constant and the second
differences are constant, to make sure you have a quadratic sequence!

o e.g. sequence: 1, 10, 23, 40, 61
 first difference: 9, 13, 17, 21, ...
 second differences: 4, 4, 4, ...

 STEP 2
Find the value of a using a = [the second difference] ÷ 2
 o e.g. a = 4 ÷ 2 = 2

 STEP 3
Write out the first three or four terms of an2 with the first three or four terms
of the given sequence underneath.
Work out the difference between each term of an2 and the corresponding
term of the given sequence.
o e.g. an2 = 2n2 = 2, 8, 18, 32, ...
sequence = 1, 10, 23, 40, ...
difference = -1, 2, 5, 8, ...

 STEP 4
Work out the linear nth term of these differences. This is bn + c.
o e.g. bn + c = 3n − 4

 STEP 5
Add this linear nth term to an2
Now you have an2 + bn + c.
o e.g. an2 + bn + c = 2n2 + 3n − 4

Exam Tip
 Before doing the very formal process to find the nth term, try comparing the
sequence to the square numbers 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, … and see if you can spot the
formula
 For example:
o Sequence 4, 7, 12, 19, 28, …
o Square Numbers 1 4 9 16 25
o We can see that each term of the sequence is 3 more than the
equivalent square number so the formula is
nth term = n2 + 3
o This could save you a lot of time!

Worked Example
For the sequence 5, 7, 11, 17, 25, ....

(a)
Find a formula for the nth term.

Start by finding the first and second differences

Sequence: 5, 7, 11, 17, 25

 First differences: 2, 4, 6, 8, ...
Second difference: 2, 2, 2, ...
Hence
a=2÷2=1

Now write down an2 (just n2 in this case as a = 1) with the sequence underneath, and
on the next line write the difference between an2 and the sequence

an2. : 1, 4, 9, 16, ...

sequence: 5, 7, 11, 17, ...
difference: 4, 3, 2, 1, ...

Work out the nth term of these differences to give you bn + c

bn + c = −n + 5

Add an2 and bn + c together to give you the nth term of the sequence
nth term = n2 − n + 5
(b)
Hence find the 20th term of the sequence.

Substitute n = 20 into n2 − n + 5
(20)2 − 20 + 5 = 400 − 15
20th term = 385
TEST YOURSELF NEXT TOPIC

 1. NUMBER
 2. ALGEBRA & GRAPHS
o 2.1 Algebra Toolkit
o 2.2 Algebraic Roots & Indices
o 2.3 Expanding & Factorising Brackets
o 2.4 Linear Equations & Inequalities
o 2.5 Quadratic Equations
o 2.6 Rearranging Formula
o 2.7 Simultaneous Equations
o 2.8 Algebraic Fractions
o 2.9 Forming & Solving Equations
o 2.10 Functions
o 2.11 Sequences
 2.11.1 Sequences
  2.11.2 nth Term
o 2.12 Coordinate Geometry
o 2.13 Linear Graphs
o 2.14 Quadratic Graphs
o 2.15 Further Graphs & Tangents
o 2.16 Solving & Graphing Inequalities
o 2.17 Real-Life Graphs
o 2.18 Differentiation
Englsh Revision TASK 1
HIGH COST OF LIVING: BUT CAN WE SURVIVE
We understand that the high cost of living is a significant concern for many people
worldwide. The increasing cost of food, energy, housing, healthcare, and other essential
needs has put a strain on individuals and families' budgets. While these issues are complex
and multifaceted, there are steps we can take as individuals to manage the situation and
contribute to sustainable solutions.
Here are some instructions and guidelines that can help:
1. Practice conscious consumption: Be mindful of your consumption habits and aim to
reduce waste wherever possible. Choose products with minimal packaging, buy local
and seasonal foods, and opt for sustainable transportation options such as biking or
public transit.
2. Prioritize energy efficiency: Energy bills can be a significant expense, but there are
ways to reduce your usage and costs. Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights
when not in use, and consider investing in renewable energy sources such as solar
panels.
3. Plan and budget carefully: Creating a budget and sticking to it can help you make
the most of your money. Plan your meals, shop with a list, and avoid impulse
purchases. Consider using apps or tools to track your expenses and monitor your
progress towards your financial goals.
4. Support sustainable practices: Choose to support businesses that prioritize
sustainability and ethical practices. Look for certifications such as Fairtrade or
organic, and research the environmental and social impact of the companies you
purchase from.
5. Get involved in advocacy: Advocate for policies that prioritize sustainability and
address the root causes of the high cost of living. Join or support local organizations
working towards sustainability and equitable economic systems.

By taking these steps, we can work towards a more sustainable future while managing the
challenges of the high cost of living. We encourage you to share these guidelines with others
and start making a positive impact today.
PHYSICS
CRITERION D

Consider a scientific experiment or study that has raised ethical concerns (e.g., the
Stanford Prison Experiment, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, the Milgram Obedience
Experiment). Discuss the potential impacts of this study on individuals and society,
and reflect on how scientific ethics have evolved over time.

Choose a natural disaster (e.g., hurricane, earthquake, wildfire) that has occurred
recently. Discuss the scientific factors that contributed to this disaster and reflect on
how science can be used to prevent or mitigate future disasters.

Research a controversial scientific topic (e.g., climate change, genetically modified

organisms, nuclear power). Discuss the arguments for and against this topic and
reflect on the role of scientific evidence in shaping public opinion and policy.

Mathematics