This study notes covers Worked Example 1: 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 4 of 7 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 4 of 7
Practice
11 questions
Recall
4 flashcards
Worked Example 1: Finding the nth Term
Find the nth term of the sequence: 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, ...
Step 1 Find the common difference
9 − 5 = 4
13 − 9 = 4
Common difference d = 4
Step 2 Start the formula
nth term starts with 4n
Step 3 Compare to the sequence
4n gives: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20...
Sequence is: 5, 9, 13, 17, 21...
Each term is 1 more than 4n
So add 1: 4n + 1
Step 4 Check it works
n=1: 4(1)+1 = 5 ✓
n=2: 4(2)+1 = 9 ✓
n=3: 4(3)+1 = 13 ✓
Answer: nth term = 4n + 1