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Year 8 - Maths

Expressing an arithmetic sequence

Sequences

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 that any term in an arithmetic sequence can be expressed in terms of its position in the sequence.

Key Notes

  • The general term of a sequence is called the n^th term.
  • The value of n tells you what position in the sequence the term has.
  • The term number tells you the value of n.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • n^th term: The n^th term of a sequence is the position of a term in a sequence where n stands for the term number.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That $$n$$ is a term in the sequence. That $$n=10$$ means 10 is in the sequence.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

The general term of a sequence is called the n^th term. The value of n tells you what position in the sequence the term has.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'n^th term'

The n^th term of a sequence is the position of a term in a sequence where n stands for the term number. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: That $$n$$ is a term in the sequence. That $$n=10$$ means 10 is in the sequence. Correction: Reiterate that $$n$$ is the term number. "$$n=10$$ means the 10th term. What is the 10th term number?".

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Maths guide library.