IGCSE Maths: Sequences

Overview

Sequences questions require pattern recognition and the ability to find general rules. Core students work with linear sequences, while Extended students also tackle quadratic and geometric sequences.

Core Syllabus Topics

• Recognising number patterns
• Finding terms of a sequence
• Linear (arithmetic) sequences
• nth term of a linear sequence

Extended Syllabus Topics

• Quadratic sequences (an² + bn + c)
• Geometric sequences
• Exponential sequences
• Sum of arithmetic and geometric sequences

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using first differences for quadratic sequences instead of second differences
• Errors in geometric sequence common ratio
• Confusing nth term with sum to n terms