Year 8 - Maths
Arithmetic sequences
Sequences
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit we develop knowledge of sequences to be able to identify, determine, and continue arithmetic sequences. We finish the unit by looking at how sequences may be reprsented graphically.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to appreciate the features of an arithmetic sequence and be able to recognise one.
Key Notes
- Finding the difference between each term can help you identify different types of sequence.
- Sequences with a constant difference are arithmetic sequences.
- Arithmetic sequences can be uniquely described with an initial term and a common difference.
- It is possible to identify which sequences are arithmetic.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Arithmetic sequence: An arithmetic (or linear) sequence is a sequence where the difference between successive terms is a constant.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Sequences such as triangular numbers which have a linear sequence in their differences are linear.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Finding the difference between each term can help you identify different types of sequence. Sequences with a constant difference are arithmetic sequences.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Arithmetic sequence'
An arithmetic (or linear) sequence is a sequence where the difference between successive terms is a constant. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Sequences such as triangular numbers which have a linear sequence in their differences are linear. Correction: Terms in an arithmetic sequence have to have a common first difference.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Calculating any term Study Guide
- Checking understanding of sequences Study Guide
- Expressing an arithmetic sequence Study Guide
- Finding the nth term Study Guide
- Formalising a sequence Study Guide
- Generating a sequence using a position-to-term rule Study Guide
- Generating a sequence using a term-to-term rule Study Guide
- Justifying terms of a sequence Study Guide
- Problem solving with sequences Study Guide
- Representing sequences graphically Study Guide
- Securing understanding of sequences Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 8 Maths guide library.