This introduction covers The Formula for Any 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 1 of 8 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
The Formula for Any Term
You've spotted a pattern in a sequence: 5, 9, 13, 17... (+4 each time). But what if you needed the 100th term? You wouldn't count them all! Instead, you'd use a formula called the "nth term" that lets you find ANY term instantly. It's like having a mathematical shortcut for any position in the sequence.
Visual Guide
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.
Quick recall flashcards
What is the nth term?
A formula that allows you to find any term in a sequence by substituting the position number (n)
What does 'n' represent?
The position number in the sequence (1st term: n=1, 2nd term: n=2, etc.)