Year 11 - Maths
Checking and securing understanding of special number sequences
Further sequences
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils consider different types of sequences such as Fibonacci and oscillating sequences. They then consolidate their knowledge of different types of sequences by solving contextual problems.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify the features of special number sequences.
Key Notes
- Special number sequences are not arithmetic.
- Special number sequences are not geometric.
- Special number sequences are generated using different rules.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Square number: A square number is the product of two repeated integers.
- Cube number: A cube number is the product of three repeated integers.
- Triangular number: A triangular number (or triangle number) is a number that can be represented by a pattern of dots arranged into an equilateral triangle.
- Sequence: A sequence is an ordered list of terms, usually formed according to a rule.
- nth term: The nth term of a sequence is the position of a term in a sequence where n stands for the term number.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- After becoming very familiar with arithmetic sequences pupils can find the difference between the first two terms and just assume the sequence is arithmetic.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Special number sequences are not arithmetic. Special number sequences are not geometric.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Square number'
A square number is the product of two repeated integers. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: After becoming very familiar with arithmetic sequences pupils can find the difference between the first two terms and just assume the sequence is arithmetic. Correction: Pupils should check the relationship between all stated consecutive terms as they now have seen a variety of sequences.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Advanced problem solving with further sequences Study Guide
- Arithmetic sequences and their graphs Study Guide
- Checking and securing rules for generating arithmetic sequences Study Guide
- Checking and securing understanding of geometric sequences Study Guide
- Conditions in arithmetic sequences Study Guide
- Fibonacci and alternating sequences Study Guide
- Identifying values in an arithmetic sequence Study Guide
- Introducing quadratic sequences Study Guide
- Problem solving with further sequences Study Guide
- Quadratic sequences Study Guide
- Reasoning about values in an arithmetic sequence Study Guide
- Sequence notation Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 Maths guide library.