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