Year 8 - Maths
Problem solving with sequences
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 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 use your knowledge of sequences to solve problems.
Key Notes
- Patterns can be described using sequences.
- Sequences can be found for given terms even if they are not sequential .
- It is possible to identify which term in a sequence a number is from the rule.
- Real life sequences can be represented on a graph.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Arithmetic sequence: An arithmetic (or linear) sequence is a sequence where the difference between successive terms is a constant.
- 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
- The answer to the 'handshake' problem is 15, or 15x15
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Patterns can be described using sequences. Sequences can be found for given terms even if they are not sequential .
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: The answer to the 'handshake' problem is 15, or 15x15. Correction: Group pupils into 3s and ask them to record how many handshakes are made. Then group as 4s and repeat. What do they notice?
More Lessons In This Unit
- Arithmetic sequences Study Guide
- 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
- Representing sequences graphically Study Guide
- Securing understanding of sequences Study Guide
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