AlgebraExam Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Part of Sequences · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

This exam tips covers Common Mistakes to Avoid within Sequences for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Sequences in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 14 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 6 of 7 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.

Topic position

Section 6 of 7

Practice

14 questions

Recall

12 flashcards

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗ Only looking at one difference ✓ Check all differences to confirm pattern One coincidence doesn't make a pattern

✗ Confusing term position with term value ✓ "3rd term" means position 3, not value = 3 Position vs value are different things

✗ Assuming all sequences are arithmetic ✓ Check for geometric, Fibonacci, or other patterns Different sequences have different rules

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Sequences. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Worked Example 2: Different Sequence Types Knowledge Organiser: Sequences What's a Pattern?Key Vocabulary

Practice Questions for Sequences

What is the common difference of the arithmetic sequence below? 4, 11, 18, 25, 32, ...

A. 4
B. 7
C. 8
D. 11

1 markfoundation

Zara says: 'The sequence 4, 12, 36, 108 is an arithmetic sequence.' Explain why Zara is wrong. State what type of sequence it actually is.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is a term in a sequence?

Each individual number in the sequence. The 1st term is denoted T(1) or u₁, the 2nd term is T(2), etc.

What is a sequence in maths?

A list of numbers that follow a rule or pattern. Each number in the list is called a term.

14 questions on Sequences — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 12 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

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Worked Example 2: Different Sequence Types

Knowledge Organiser: Sequences