Sequences PDF 2

Sequences
RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Starter
Ketchup is sold in three different sizes of bottle.
A small bottle contains 342 g of ketchup and costs 88p

A medium bottle contains 570 g of ketchup and costs £1.95
A large bottle contains 1500 g of ketchup and costs £3.99
Which bottle is the best value for money?

You must show your working.

Sequences
LO: To recognise and explore some common number
sequences.

For each sequence, try to find the next two terms of the sequence.
Can you say what the each sequence of numbers is commonly known as?
Can you identify the nth term (where there is one)?
Sequence Next 2 terms Name nth term

2, 4, 6, 8, …
1, 3, 5, 7, …
1, 4, 9, 16, …
1, 8, 27, 64, …
1, 3, 6, 10, …
2, 4, 8, 16, …
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, … XXXXXXXXXX
2, 3, 5, 7, … XXXXXXXXXX

For each sequence, try to find the next two terms of the sequence.
Can you say what the each sequence of numbers is commonly known as?
Can you identify the nth term (where there is one)?
Sequence Next 2 terms Name nth term

2, 4, 6, 8, … 10, 12 even numbers 2n
1, 3, 5, 7, … 9, 11 odd numbers 2n - 1
1, 4, 9, 16, … 25, 36 square numbers n2
1, 8, 27, 64, … 125, 216 cube numbers n3
1, 3, 6, 10, … 15, 21 triangular numbers ½ n(n+1)
2, 4, 8, 16, … 32, 64 powers of 2 2n
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, … 8, 13 Fibonacci sequence XXXXXXXXXX
2, 3, 5, 7, … 11, 13 Prime numbers XXXXXXXXXX

Worksheet: Basic Sequences
Exercise A
1. The first three terms of a Fibonacci type sequence are a, b, a+b, …
(a) Write out the next five terms.
(b) Describe the pattern of the coefficients of a and b.
2. 𝑝 is a prime number, 𝑞 is an even number.

State if each expression is odd, even or could be either odd or even.
(a) 𝑝+1 (b) 𝑝+𝑞 (c) 𝑝2 (d) 𝑞𝑝+1 (e)2𝑝+3𝑞
3. 𝑥 is a prime number and both 𝑦 and 𝑧 are odd.

Write an expression using all of 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧, and no other numbers or letters, so the answer is always
even.
4. Add consecutive cube numbers together. For example:

1+8, 1+8+27, 1+8+27+64, …
What do you notice about the answers?
1
5. The 𝑛th term of the triangular numbers is 𝑛 𝑛 + 1 .
2
Use the formula to find:
(a) the 20th triangular number (b) the 100th triangular number
(c) Add consecutive terms of the triangular number sequence.
For example: 1+3, 3+6, etc.
What do you notice?

Answers
1) a) a+2b, 2a+3b, 3a+5b, 5a+8b, 8a+13b

b) They give Fibonacci type sequences (a starts with 1, 0 and b starts with 0, 1)
2) a) odd or even
b) odd or even
c) odd or even
d) odd
e) even
3) x(y + z) [or xy + xz]
4) They are square numbers.
5) a) 210
b) 5050
c) They are square numbers.

Starter 1
Look at the sequence below. What will be the next two lines?
1
1, 1
2, 1
1, 2, 1, 1
1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1
...
...
Starter 2
Fill in the missing terms in the sequences.
1) 5, 11, 17, 23, ... , ...

2) 3, ... , 11, ... , 19
3) 5, ... , ... , ... , 21
4) 14, ... , ... , ... , 2
5) ... , ... , 15, ... , 21

Starter 1
Look at the sequence below. What will be the next two lines?
1
1, 1
2, 1
1, 2, 1, 1
1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1
... 3, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1
... 1, 3, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 1
Starter 2
Fill in the missing terms in the sequences.
1) 5, 11, 17, 23, ... , ... 1) 29, 35

2) 3, ... , 11, ... , 19 2) 7, 15
3) 5, ... , ... , ... , 21 3) 9, 13, 17
4) 14, ... , ... , ... , 2 4) 11, 8, 5
5) ... , ... , 15, ... , 21 5) 9, 12, 18

nth term
LO: To find a linear sequence using the nth term. To find
the nth term of a linear sequence.

A sequence can be described by the 𝑛th term, T(𝑛). This is just a rule that tells us how to work
out the terms of a sequence. 𝑛 is used to represent the term number.
Consider the sequence
Term number 1 2 3 4 5 ... 𝑛

4 7 10 13 16 ... 3𝑛 + 1
Is there a link between the term number and the term of the sequence?
Sequences like this are called arithmetic sequences.
In an arithmetic sequence each pair of consecutive terms has a common difference.
Example 1
Find the first 5 terms of a sequence whose 𝑛th term is T(𝑛) = 4𝑛 – 1?

Exercise B
Find the first 4 terms for each of these sequences described by their 𝑛th term.
(a) T(𝑛) = 3𝑛 + 2
(b) T(𝑛) = 5𝑛 – 2
(c) T(𝑛) = 4𝑛 – 3
(d) T(𝑛) = 7𝑛
(e) T(𝑛) = 15 – 3𝑛
(f) T(𝑛) = 𝑛2 + 2
(g) T(𝑛) = 2𝑛2 - 5

Exercise B
Find the first 4 terms for each of these sequences described by their 𝑛th term.
(a) T(𝑛) = 3𝑛 + 2 5, 8, 11, 14 , …

(b) T(𝑛) = 5𝑛 – 2 3, 8, 13, 18 , …
(c) T(𝑛) = 4𝑛 – 3 1, 5, 9, 13 , …
(d) T(𝑛) = 7𝑛 7, 14, 21, 28 , …
(e) T(𝑛) = 15 – 3𝑛
12, 9, 6, 3 , …
(f) T(𝑛) = 𝑛2 + 2
3, 6, 11, 18 , …
(g) T(𝑛) = 2𝑛2 -5
-3, 3, 13, 27 , …

Example 2
(a) Find the 𝑛th term, T(𝑛), of the sequence 5, 9, 13, 17, …
(b) Is 146 a term of the sequence? Explain your answer.

Exercise C
1. Find the nth term of each of these sequences.

(a) 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, … (b) 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, … (c) 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, …
(d) 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, … (e) -5, -3, -1, 1, 3, … (f) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …
(g) 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, … (h) 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, … (i) 1, -4, -9, -14, -19, …
(j) 8, 6.5, 5, 3.5, 2, … (k) 0, -3, -6, -9, -12, … (l) 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, …
2. A sequence has first three terms 140, 133, 126, …
A second sequence has first three terms -59, -54, -49, …
Find the nth term of each sequence and prove that the 17th term is the same in both sequences.
3. Here are the first five terms of an arithmetic sequence.
1 5 9 13 17
(a) Write down an expression, in terms of n, for the nth term of this sequence.
The nth term of a different number sequence is 3n2 + 7
(b) Find the 10th term of this sequence.
4. Here are some patterns made from white centimetre squares and grey centimetre squares.
A Pattern has 20 grey squares.

(a) Work out how many white squares there are in this Pattern.
(b) Find an expression, in terms of n, for the total number of centimetre squares in Pattern n.

Exercise C
1. Find the nth term of each of these sequences.

(a) 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, … 5𝑛 − 1 (b) 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, …2𝑛 − 1 (c) 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, …2𝑛 + 8
(d) 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, …0.5𝑛 + 0.5 (e) -5, -3, -1, 1, 3, …2𝑛 − 7 (f) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, … 𝑛
(g) 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, …−2𝑛 + 12 (h) 100, 95, 90, 85, 80,−5𝑛
… + 105 … +6
(i) 1, -4, -9, -14, -19, −5𝑛
(j) 8, 6.5, 5, 3.5, 2, …−1.5𝑛 + 9.5 (k) 0, -3, -6, -9, -12, …−3𝑛 + 3 (l) 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, …
−0.5𝑛 + 3.5
2. A sequence has first three terms 140, 133, 126, …−7𝑛 + 147
A second sequence has first three terms -59, -54, -49, …5𝑛 − 64
Find the nth term of each sequence and prove that the 17th term is the same in both sequences.
3. Here are the first five terms of an arithmetic sequence.
1 5 9 13 17
(a) Write down an expression, in terms of n, for the nth term of this sequence. 4𝑛 − 3
The nth term of a different number sequence is 3n2 + 7
(b) Find the 10th term of this sequence. 307
4. Here are some patterns made from white centimetre squares and grey centimetre squares.
A Pattern has 20 grey squares.

(a) Work out how many white squares there are in this Pattern. 11
(b) Find an expression, in terms of n, for the total number of centimetre squares in Pattern n. 3𝑛 + 1

Exercise D – Exam Style Questions 4.
1. Here are the first 5 terms of an arithmetic sequence.
Here are the first 5 terms of an arithmetic sequence. 6 10 14 18 22
3 9 15 21 27 (a) Write down an expression, in terms of n, for the
(a) Find an expression, in terms of n, for the nth term nth term of this sequence.
of this sequence. The nth term of a different sequence is 2n2 – 4
Ben says that 150 is in the sequence. (b) Find the 3rd term of this sequence.
(b) Is Ben right? 5.
You must explain your answer. Here are the first five terms of an arithmetic
2. sequence.
Here are the first four terms of an arithmetic 2 7 12 17 22
sequence. (a) Explain why the number 271 cannot be a term in
3 10 17 24 this sequence.
(a) Find, in terms of n, an expression for the nth (b) Write down an expression, in terms of n, for the
term of this arithmetic sequence. nth term of the sequence.
(b) Is 150 a term of this sequence? 6.
You must explain how you get your answer. The first five terms of an arithmetic sequence are
3. 3 7 11 15 19
Here are the first five terms of an arithmetic (a) Write down an expression, in terms of n, for the
sequence. nth term of this sequence.
2 6 10 14 18 An expression for the nth term of a different sequence
(a) Write down an expression, in terms of n, for the is 20 – 5n
nth term of this sequence. (b) work out the 10th term of this sequence.
(b) Is 86 a term in the sequence?
You must give a reason for your answer.

Exercise D – Exam Style Questions 4.
1. Here are the first 5 terms of an arithmetic sequence.
Here are the first 5 terms of an arithmetic sequence. 6 10 14 18 22
3 9 15 21 27 (a) Write down an expression, in terms of n, for the
nth term of this sequence. 4n+2
(a) Find an expression, in terms of n, for the nth term
of this sequence. 6n-3 The nth term of a different sequence is 2n2 – 4
Ben says that 150 is in the sequence. (b) Find the 3rd term of this sequence. 14
(b) Is Ben right? No & reason 5.
You must explain your answer. Here are the first five terms of an arithmetic
2. sequence.
Here are the first four terms of an arithmetic 2 7 12 17 22
sequence. (a) Explain why the number 271 cannot be a term in
3 10 17 24 this sequence. All terms end in a 2 or 7
(a) Find, in terms of n, an expression for the nth (b) Write down an expression, in terms of n, for the
7n-4 nth term of the sequence.
term of this arithmetic sequence. 5n-3
(b) Is 150 a term of this sequence? 6.
You must explain how you get your answer. The first five terms of an arithmetic sequence are
Yes & reason 3 7 11 15 19
3.
Here are the first five terms of an arithmetic (a) Write down an expression, in terms of n, for the
sequence. nth term of this sequence. 4n-1
2 6 10 14 18 An expression for the nth term of a different sequence
(a) Write down an expression, in terms of n, for the is 20 – 5n
nth term of this sequence. (b) work out the 10th term of this sequence. -30
(b) Is 86 a term in the sequence? 4n-2
You must give a reason for your answer.
Yes & reason

Example 3
The 𝑛th term of a sequence is 5𝑛 − 2.

(a) Find a simplified expression for the (𝑛 + 1)th term of the sequence.
(b) Find a simplified expression for the sum of the 𝑛th and (𝑛 + 1)th terms.
(c) The sum of two consecutive terms of the sequence is 151. Find the two terms.

Exercise E
1. For each of these arithmetic sequences find the 𝑛th term and the (𝑛 + 1)th term.
(a) 3, 7, 11, 15, … (b) 8, 11, 14, 17, …
(c) 12, 8, 4, 0, … (d) 5, 10, 15, 20, …
(e) 7, 17, 27, 37, … (f) 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, …
2. The 𝑛th term of an arithmetic sequence is 4𝑛 – 6. The sum of two consecutive terms of the
sequence is 88. Find the two terms of the sequence.
3. An arithmetic sequence is 4, 9, 14, 19, …. Find the (𝑛 − 1)th term of the sequence.
4. The 𝑛th term of a sequence is 3𝑛 − 4. Find a simplified expression for the sum of any two
consecutive terms of the sequence.
5. The 𝑛th term of a sequence is 4𝑛 + 2. Find a simplified expression for the sum of any three

Exercise E
1. For each of these arithmetic sequences find the 𝑛th term and the (𝑛 + 1)th term.
(a) 3, 7, 11, 15, … 4𝑛 − 1 and 4𝑛 + 3 (b) 8, 11, 14, 17, … 3𝑛 + 5 and 3𝑛 + 8
(c) 12, 8, 4, 0, … −4𝑛 + 16 and −4𝑛 + 12 (d) 5, 10, 15, 20, … 5𝑛 and 5𝑛 + 5
(e) 7, 17, 27, 37, …10𝑛 − 3 and 10𝑛 + 7 (f) 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, … 0.5𝑛 + 1.5 and 0.5𝑛 + 2
2. The 𝑛th term of an arithmetic sequence is 4𝑛 – 6. The sum of two consecutive terms of the
sequence is 88. Find the two terms of the sequence. 42, 46
3. An arithmetic sequence is 4, 9, 14, 19, …. Find the (𝑛 − 1)th term of the sequence.
5𝑛 − 6
4. The 𝑛th term of a sequence is 3𝑛 − 4. Find a simplified expression for the sum of any two
consecutive terms of the sequence. 6𝑛 − 5
5. The 𝑛th term of a sequence is 4𝑛 + 2. Find a simplified expression for the sum of any three
12𝑛 + 18

Link to interactive web page

Look at these pairs of number sequences.
The second sequence is formed from the ﬁrst sequence by adding a number or multiplying by a
number.
Work out the missing nth terms.
(a) 5, 9, 13, 17, ... nth term is 4n + 1
6, 10, 14, 18, … nth term is ..............................
(b) 12,18,24,30, ... nth term is 6n + 6

6, 9, 12, 15, … nth term is ..............................
(c) 2, 7, 12, 17, ... nth term is 5n – 3

4, 14, 24, 34, … nth term is ..............................

Look at these pairs of number sequences.
The second sequence is formed from the ﬁrst sequence by adding a number or multiplying by a
number.
Work out the missing nth terms.
(a) 5, 9, 13, 17, ... nth term is 4n + 1

4𝑛 + 2
6, 10, 14, 18, … nth term is ..............................
(b) 12,18,24,30, ... nth term is 6n + 6

6, 9, 12, 15, … nth term is 3𝑛 + 3
..............................
(c) 2, 7, 12, 17, ... nth term is 5n – 3

4, 14, 24, 34, … nth term is 10𝑛 − 6
..............................

Starter
Uri makes a sequence of shapes using square tiles.
shape shape shape

number number number
1 2 3
The number of square tiles in shape number n is 2n + 1
Uri makes a different sequence of shapes.

In this sequence of shapes, the number of square tiles in shape number n is
3n + 1
Draw what the first 3 shapes might look like.

Quadratic
Sequences
LO: To find the 𝑛 th term of a quadratic sequence.

A quadratic sequence is one where the second difference between terms are constant.
Example 1
The first 4 terms of a sequence are:
2, 5, 10, 17
(a) Show that this is a quadratic sequence.
(b) Find the 𝑛th term of the sequence, by comparing it to the sequence of square numbers.

Exercise F
1. Show that each of the following sequences is a quadratic sequence and find the 𝑛th term of
each sequence.
(a) 2, 8, 18, 32, … (b) 0, 3, 8, 15, … (c) 4, 7, 12, 19, … (d) 0, 1, 4, 9, …
2.

Exercise F
1. Show that each of the following sequences is a quadratic sequence and find the 𝑛th term of
each sequence.
(a) 2, 8, 18, 32, … (b) 0, 3, 8, 15, … (c) 4, 7, 12, 19, … (d) 0, 1, 4, 9, …

2𝑛2 𝑛2 – 1 𝑛2 + 3 (𝑛 - 1)2
2.
𝑛2 + 1 𝑛2 − 1 𝑛2 + 2
3𝑛2 2𝑛2
2𝑛2 + 1 3𝑛2 − 1 𝑛2 + 𝑛

In a quadratic sequence the coefficient of n2 is half the value of the second difference.
Example 2
Find the nth term of the sequence 1, 7, 17, 31, 49, …

Example 3
Find the 𝑛th term of the sequence 4, 11, 20, 31, 44, …
The 𝑛th term of a quadratic sequence can be worked out in three steps.
Step 1: Work out the second differences.
Step 2: Halve the second differences to get the 𝑎𝑛2 term.
Step 3: Subtract the sequence 𝑎𝑛2. You may need to add a constant, or find the 𝑛th term of
the remaining sequence.

Exercise G
1. Find the nth term of each of these quadratic sequences.
(a) -3, 0, 5, 12, … (b) 2, 5, 10, 17, … (c) 8, 11, 16, 23, …
(d) 0, 6, 16, 30, … (e) 8, 14, 24, 38, … (f) 3, 7, 13, 21, …
(g) 5, 13, 25, 41, … (h) 7, 16, 27, 40, … (i) 0, 1, 4, 9, …
(j) 6, 14, 26, 42, … (k) 2, 3, 6, 11, 18, … (l) 9, 18, 31, 48, …
(m) 3, 2, 3, 6, 11, … (n) 6, 3, 4, 9, 18, … (o) 11, 18, 27, 38, 51, …
2. Is 150 a term of the sequence described by the nth term 𝑛2 + 3? Explain your answer.
3. Find the nth term of the sequence
(a) 18, 12, 2, -12, … (b) 49, 100, 169, 256, … (c) 0, -2, -6, -12, …

Exercise G
1. Find the nth term of each of these quadratic sequences.
(a) -3, 0, 5, 12, … n2 - 4 (b) 2, 5, 10, 17, … n2 + 1 (c) 8, 11, 16, 23, … n2 + 7
(d) 0, 6, 16, 30, … 2n2 - 2 (e) 8, 14, 24, 38, … 2n2 + 6 (f) 3, 7, 13, 21, … n2 + n + 1
(g) 5, 13, 25, 41, … (h) 7, 16, 27, 40, … (i) 0, 1, 4, 9, …

2n2 + 2n + 1 n2 + 6n n2 – 2n + 1
(j) 6, 14, 26, 42, … (k) 2, 3, 6, 11, 18, … (l) 9, 18, 31, 48, …
2n2 + 2n + 2 n2 – 2n + 3 2n2 + 3n + 3
(m) 3, 2, 3, 6, 11, … (n) 6, 3, 4, 9, 18, … (o) 11, 18, 27, 38, 51, …
n2 – 4n – 6 2n2 – 9n + 13 n2 + 4n + 6
2. Is 150 a term of the sequence described by the nth term 𝑛2 + 3? Explain your answer.
𝑛2 + 3 = 150 → 𝑛 = 12.12 … not an integer so no it is not in the sequence
(a) 18, 12, 2, -12, … (b) 49, 100, 169, 256, … (c) 0, -2, -6, -12, …
−2𝑛2 + 20 9𝑛2 + 24𝑛 + 16 −𝑛2 + 𝑛

Why is the coefficient of 𝒏2 half of the second difference?
The 𝑛th term of a quadratic sequence has the form 𝑎𝑛2 + 𝑏𝑛 + 𝑐.
𝑛=1 𝑛=2 𝑛=3
𝑎+𝑏+𝑐 4𝑎 + 2𝑏 + 𝑐 9𝑎 + 3𝑏 + 𝑐
3𝑎 + 𝑏 5𝑎 + 𝑏
2𝑎

Starter
Find the nth term of each of the following sequences.
1) 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, …

2) 11, 14, 19, 26, …
3) 9, 14, 21, 30, …
4) 8, 15, 24, 35, …
5) 2, 13, 30, 53, 82, …
6) 8, 11, 15, 20, 26, …

Starter
Find the nth term of each of the following sequences.
1) 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, … 𝑛2 + 2
2) 11, 14, 19, 26, … 𝑛2 + 10
3) 9, 14, 21, 30, … 𝑛2 + 2𝑛 + 6
4) 8, 15, 24, 35, … 𝑛2 + 4𝑛 + 3

2
5) 2, 13, 30, 53, 82, … 3𝑛 + 2𝑛 − 3
1 3
6) 8, 11, 15, 20, 26, … 𝑛2 + 𝑛 + 6
2 2

More Quadratic
Sequences
LO: To find and use the nth term of quadratic sequences.

Example
Here is a sequence of shapes made from squares.
(a) Find the 𝑛th term of the sequence.

(b) Find how many squares there would be in the 25th pattern.
= 1201

Exercise H (c)
1. Georgina thinks that the 10th term of the

sequence 4, 7, 12, 19, 28, … will be 56.
Do you agree with Georgina?
Explain your answer.
(d)
2. Bob thinks that the nth term of the sequence 5,
7, 11, 17, 25, … will start with ‘2𝑛2 ’.
(a) Do you agree with Bob?
Explain your answer.
(b) Find the full expression for the nth term of
the sequence. 4. Here is a pattern made from tiles.
How many tiles are needed to make pattern
3. Below are patterns of tiles. 20?
The number of tiles in each form quadratic
sequences.
Find the number of tiles in pattern n for each.
(a)
2 5 11 20 32
(b)

Exercise H (c)
1. Georgina thinks that the 10th term of the

𝑛2 + 𝑛
sequence 4, 7, 12, 19, 28, … will be 56.
Do you agree with Georgina? No
Explain your answer. nth term = 𝑛2 + 3
So 10th term is 103 (d)
2. Bob thinks that the nth term of the sequence 5,
𝑛2 + 3𝑛 + 2
7, 11, 17, 25, … will start with ‘2𝑛2 ’.
(a) Do you agree with Bob? No. Second difference
Explain your answer. is 2 so should be 𝑛2
(b) Find the full expression for the nth term of
the sequence. 𝑛2 − 𝑛 + 5 4. Here is a pattern made from tiles.
How many tiles are needed to make pattern
3. Below are patterns of tiles. 20?
The number of tiles in each form quadratic Nth term: 3𝑛2 − 3𝑛 + 1
sequences. Pattern 20 = 1141
Find the number of tiles in pattern n for each.
(a)
𝑛2 + 4 5. Find the nth term of the sequence
2 5 11 20 32
(b)
1 1
2𝑛2 1 𝑛2 − 𝑛
2 2

6. Match each sequence with the correct ‘position-
to-term’ rule.
Fill in the empty cells.
2, 6, 12, 20, … 𝑛2 − 𝑛
3, 0, −5, −12, …
0, 3, 8, 15, … 𝑛2 + 2
𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
3, 6, 11, 18, … 4 − 𝑛2
7. Is 150 a term in the quadratic sequence with nth

term 𝑛2 + 3?
Explain your reasoning.
8. Kirsty is generating a sequence using the rule

𝑇 𝑛 = 2𝑛2 − 𝑛. She thinks that every term will
be an even number. Do you agree with Kirsty?
9. Find the nth term of the triangular number

sequence 1, 3, 6, 10, …

6. Match each sequence with the correct ‘position-
to-term’ rule.
Fill in the empty cells.
2, 6, 12, 20, … 𝑛2 − 𝑛
3, 0, −5, −12, … 𝑛2 − 1
0, 3, 8, 15, … 𝑛2 + 2
0, 2, 6, 12, … 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
3, 6, 11, 18, … 4 − 𝑛2
7. Is 150 a term in the quadratic sequence with nth

term 𝑛2 + 3? No. 147 isn’t a square number.
8. Kirsty is generating a sequence using the rule

𝑇 𝑛 = 2𝑛2 − 𝑛. She thinks that every term will
be an even number. Do you agree with Kirsty?
Explain your reasoning. No. the first term is 1 which is not an even number
9. Find the nth term of the triangular number

sequence 1, 3, 6, 10, …
1 2 1
𝑛 + 𝑛
2 2

42, 55
55, 71
36, 52
17, 28
2, 11

Starter
Ian is a millionaire. He promises to donate £10 to charity one month, £20 the next month, £40
the next month and so on. After how many months is he donating over £1000?

Starter
Ian is a millionaire. He promises to donate £10 to charity one month, £20 the next month, £40
the next month and so on. After how many months is he donating over £1000?
After 8 months he is donating more than £1000 per month

Arithmetic &
Geometric Sequences
LO: To identify and use arithmetic and geometric
sequences.

We have already met arithmetic sequences – these are where there is a common difference
between terms.
In a geometric sequence the terms increase or decrease by a constant multiplier (the

common ratio).
Example
A sequence has 𝑛th term T(𝑛) = 2𝑛. By generating terms of the sequence, explain why this
gives a geometric sequence.
𝑇 1 = 21 = 2
𝑇 2 = 22 = 4
𝑇 3 = 23 = 8
𝑇 4 = 24 = 16
Each term is 2 times the previous term. (there is a common ratio)

Exercise I 5. Find the first 5 terms of each of these
geometric sequences.
1. Describe these sequences using one of these 3
words. (a) 3𝑛 (b) −2 𝑛
(c) × 1.1𝑛
5
Arithmetic Geometric Quadratic Fibonacci-type
(d) 2𝑛+1 (e) 1.22𝑛 (f) 𝑎 × 3𝑏𝑛
(a) 2, 5, 8, 11, … (b) 7, 11, 15, 19, …
6. Hannah and Sam are given three options for
(c) 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, … (d) 2, 5, 10, 17, …
a gift to celebrate their birthdays.
(e) 2, 6, 18, 54, … (f) 18, 15, 12, 9, … Option 1 £500
(g) 1, 4, 5, 9, … (h) 1, 2, 4, 8, … Option 2 £100 for the first month, £200 the next
month, £300 the next month and so on
(i) 4, 7, 13, 22, … (j) 0.5, 2, 3.5, 5, …
until the end of the year.
(k) -2, 4, -8, 16, … (l) 2, -2, 2, -2, … Option 3 During the month of their birthday 1p on
2. Find the next three terms of the following day 1, 2p on day 2, 4p on day 3, 8p on
sequences using the properties of the day 4 and so on.
sequence. Hannah’s birthday is 20th February.
(a) Arithmetic 2, 4, …, …, … Sam’s birthday is 5th September.
(b) Geometric 2, 4, …, …, … Which option should each of them chose?
(c) Fibonacci 2, 4, …, …, … Explain your answer.
(d) Quadratic 2, 4, …, …, … 7. Rearrange each set of terms to make a
3. Do the triangular numbers form a quadratic geometric sequence.
sequence? Give your reason. Find the nth term. (a) 𝑎𝑏 7 𝑎𝑏 3 𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏 9 𝑎𝑏 5
4. Which of the following sequences are (b) 𝑐 6 𝑑 3 𝑐 2 𝑑 7 𝑐 8 𝑑 𝑐 4 𝑑 5 𝑐 10 𝑑 −1
geometric? Explain how you know. What is the common ratio in each sequence?
1, 2, 3, 5, … 1, 2, 4, 8, …
1, 2, 3, 4, … 1, 2, 1, 2, …

Exercise I 5. Find the first 5 terms of each of these
geometric sequences. 0.66, 0.726, 0.799, 0.878, 0.966
1. Describe these sequences using one of these -2, 4, -8, 16, -32 3
𝑛
words. (a) 3 (b) −2 𝑛 (c) × 1.1𝑛
3, 9, 27, 81, 243 𝑏 2𝑏 53𝑏
Arithmetic Geometric Quadratic Fibonacci-type 𝑛+1
3
2𝑛
𝑎, 3 𝑎, 3 34𝑏 𝑎, 35𝑏 𝑎
𝑎,𝑏𝑛
(d) 2 (e) 1.2 (f) 𝑎 × 3
(a) 2, 5, 8, 11, … A (b) 7, 11, 15, 19, … A 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 2.074, 2.986, 4.300, 6.172, 8.916
6. Hannah and Sam are given three options for
(c) 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, … F (d) 2, 5, 10, 17, … Q
a gift to celebrate their birthdays.
(e) 2, 6, 18, 54, … G (f) 18, 15, 12, 9, … A Option 1 £500
(g) 1, 4, 5, 9, … F (h) 1, 2, 4, 8, … G Option 2 £100 for the first month, £200 the next
month, £300 the next month and so on
(i) 4, 7, 13, 22, … Q (j) 0.5, 2, 3.5, 5, …A
until the end of the year.
(k) -2, 4, -8, 16, … G (l) 2, -2, 2, -2, … G Option 3 During the month of their birthday 1p on
2. Find the next three terms of the following day 1, 2p on day 2, 4p on day 3, 8p on
sequences using the properties of the day 4 and so on.
sequence. Hannah’s birthday is 20th February.
6, 8,…,
(a) Arithmetic 2, 4, …, 10… Sam’s birthday is 5th September.
(b) Geometric 2, 4, …, …,32
8, 16, … Which option should each of them chose?
(c) Fibonacci 2, 4, …, …,16…
6, 10, Explain your answer. Hannah- option 3
(d) Quadratic 2, 4, …, …,22
8, 14, … Sam: option 3
7. Rearrange each set of terms to make a
3. Do the triangular numbers form a quadratic geometric sequence.
sequence? Give your reason. Find the 1nth term. 1 (a) 𝑎𝑏 7 𝑎𝑏 3 𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏 9 𝑎𝑏 5
Yes. Constant second difference. 𝑛2 + 𝑛
4. Which of the following sequences are 2 2 (b) 𝑐 6 𝑑 3 𝑐 2 𝑑 7 𝑐 8 𝑑 𝑐 4 𝑑 5 𝑐 10 𝑑 −1
geometric? Explain how you know. What is the common ratio in each sequence?
No
1, 2, 3, 5, … 1, 2, 4, 8, …
Yes. Common ratio of 2. a) 𝑎𝑏, 𝑎𝑏 3 , 𝑎𝑏 5 , 𝑎𝑏 7 , 𝑎𝑏 9 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝑏 2
No
1, 2, 3, 4, … 1, 2, 1, 2, …
No
b) 𝑐 2 𝑑 7 , 𝑐 4 𝑑 5 , 𝑐 6 𝑑 3 , 𝑐 8 𝑑, 𝑐 10 𝑑 −1 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝑐 2 𝑑 −2

8. The first term of a sequence is 4.
Create five more terms of:
(a) an arithmetic sequence.
(b) a geometric sequence.
(c) a Fibonacci type sequence
(d) a quadratic sequence.

1 15 22 36
2 18 162 468
4 5 14 23
19 28 39
6 15 28

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Sequences

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Ketchup is sold in three different sizes of bottle.

A small bottle contains 342 g of ketchup and costs 88p

Which bottle is the best value for money?

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Sequence Next 2 terms Name nth term

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Sequence Next 2 terms Name nth term

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

2. 𝑝 is a prime number, 𝑞 is an even number.

3. 𝑥 is a prime number and both 𝑦 and 𝑧 are odd.

4. Add consecutive cube numbers together. For example:

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

1) a) a+2b, 2a+3b, 3a+5b, 5a+8b, 8a+13b

3) x(y + z) [or xy + xz]

4) They are square numbers.

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

1) 5, 11, 17, 23, ... , ...

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

1) 5, 11, 17, 23, ... , ... 1) 29, 35

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Consider the sequence

Term number 1 2 3 4 5 ... 𝑛

In an arithmetic sequence each pair of consecutive terms has a common difference.

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

(a) T(𝑛) = 3𝑛 + 2 5, 8, 11, 14 , …

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

1. Find the nth term of each of these sequences.

A Pattern has 20 grey squares.

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

1. Find the nth term of each of these sequences.

A Pattern has 20 grey squares.

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

The 𝑛th term of a sequence is 5𝑛 − 2.

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

(a) 5, 9, 13, 17, ... nth term is 4n + 1

6, 10, 14, 18, … nth term is ..............................

(b) 12,18,24,30, ... nth term is 6n + 6

(c) 2, 7, 12, 17, ... nth term is 5n – 3

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

(a) 5, 9, 13, 17, ... nth term is 4n + 1

(b) 12,18,24,30, ... nth term is 6n + 6

(c) 2, 7, 12, 17, ... nth term is 5n – 3

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

shape shape shape

The number of square tiles in shape number n is 2n + 1

Uri makes a different sequence of shapes.

Draw what the first 3 shapes might look like.

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

(a) 2, 8, 18, 32, … (b) 0, 3, 8, 15, … (c) 4, 7, 12, 19, … (d) 0, 1, 4, 9, …

RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL - MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT