Worked Example 2: Different Sequence Types

Part of Sequences Ā· Section 5 of 7

Study NotesUnit: AlgebraGCSE

Identify the type of sequence: 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, ...

Step 1 Check differences

6 āˆ’ 3 = 3

12 āˆ’ 6 = 6

24 āˆ’ 12 = 12

Differences are not constant

Step 2 Check ratios

6 Ć· 3 = 2

12 Ć· 6 = 2

24 Ć· 12 = 2

Common ratio = 2

Step 3 Identify type

This is a geometric sequence (multiply by 2)

Next term: 48 Ɨ 2 = 96

This study notes covers Worked Example 2: Different Sequence Types 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 5 of 7 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

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 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 uā‚, the 2nd term is T(2), etc.

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