This introduction covers What's a Pattern? 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 1 of 7 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
What's a Pattern?
Imagine you're counting chairs in rows at a concert. Row 1 has 5 chairs, row 2 has 8 chairs, row 3 has 11 chairs... You notice they follow a pattern (+3 each row). This ordered list of numbers following a rule is called a SEQUENCE. Recognizing patterns in sequences is the first step to understanding how they work.
Visual Guide
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 sequence in maths?
A list of numbers that follow a rule or pattern. Each number in the list is called a term.
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.