This deep dive covers Method: Finding the nth Term within nth Term for GCSE Mathematics. Revise nth Term in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 11 exam-style questions and 4 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 8 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Method: Finding the nth Term
Subtract consecutive terms: 2nd − 1st = d
If d = 4, start with "4n"
Work out what to add or subtract to match the first term
If 4n gives 4, 8, 12... but sequence is 3, 7, 11... need to subtract 1
Test it works for n=1, n=2, n=3
Practice questions for nth Term
The nth term of a sequence is 3n + 2. What is the 5th term?
A student claims that 50 is a term in the sequence with nth term 3n + 1. Show whether this claim is correct.