AlgebraStudy Notes

Worked Example 1: Identifying Patterns

Part of SequencesGCSE Mathematics

This study notes covers Worked Example 1: Identifying Patterns 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 4 of 6 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 6

Practice

14 questions

Recall

12 flashcards

Worked Example 1: Identifying Patterns

Find the pattern in the sequence: 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, ...

Step 1 Find the differences

9 − 5 = 4

13 − 9 = 4

17 − 13 = 4

Common difference = 4

Step 2 Describe the pattern

Start with 5, add 4 each time

This is an arithmetic sequence

Step 3 Find the next terms

21 + 4 = 25

25 + 4 = 29

Next terms: 25, 29

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.

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.

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