Number Sequences – Complete Notes & Exercise

NUMBER SEQUENCES

1. Introduction

A number sequence is an ordered list of numbers governed by a pattern or rule. Each number in a sequence is called a term.

  • An infinite sequence continues indefinitely.
  • A finite sequence has an end.

2. Arithmetic Sequences

An arithmetic sequence is formed by adding or subtracting a constant value.

1st TermRuleFirst Five Terms
3Add 63, 9, 15, 21, 27
8Subtract 28, 6, 4, 2, 0
12Add 712, 19, 26, 33, 40

3. Geometric Sequences

A geometric sequence is formed by multiplying or dividing by the same number. This number is called the common ratio.

4. Examples of Geometric Sequences

1st TermRuleFirst Five Terms
2Multiply by 32, 6, 18, 54, 162
81Divide by 381, 27, 9, 3, 1
5Multiply by 25, 10, 20, 40, 80

5. Worked Examples

Example 1: Find the next three terms in the sequence 4, 9, 14, 19, ...

The pattern is add 5.

Next terms: 24, 29, 34

Example 2: Find the next three terms in the sequence 3, 6, 12, 24, ...

The pattern is multiply by 2.

Next terms: 48, 96, 192

6. Practice Exercise

Complete the sequences:

  1. 7, 12, 17, 22, ___, ___
  2. 100, 90, 80, 70, ___, ___
  3. 2, 4, 8, 16, ___, ___
  4. 81, 27, 9, 3, ___, ___

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