Sequences

Overview

A sequence is a list of numbers that follow a rule. In Year 7 students continue sequences, describe the term-to-term rule in words, and generate a sequence from a given rule. They meet familiar patterns such as the square numbers and triangular numbers. Spotting and describing patterns is a key part of thinking like a mathematician.

What You Will Learn

• Continue a number sequence and describe the pattern
• Find and use the term-to-term rule of a sequence
• Generate a sequence from a term-to-term rule
• Recognise special sequences such as square and triangular numbers
• Decide whether a given number is a term of a simple sequence

Key Vocabulary

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming every sequence goes up by the same amount when the difference actually changes
• Describing the rule incompletely, e.g. saying 'add 3' without stating the first term
• Confusing the position of a term with the term itself
• Mixing up square numbers (1, 4, 9, 16) with the multiples of a number

Frequently Asked Questions