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 Term | Rule | First Five Terms |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Add 6 | 3, 9, 15, 21, 27 |
| 8 | Subtract 2 | 8, 6, 4, 2, 0 |
| 12 | Add 7 | 12, 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 Term | Rule | First Five Terms |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Multiply by 3 | 2, 6, 18, 54, 162 |
| 81 | Divide by 3 | 81, 27, 9, 3, 1 |
| 5 | Multiply by 2 | 5, 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:
- 7, 12, 17, 22, ___, ___
- 100, 90, 80, 70, ___, ___
- 2, 4, 8, 16, ___, ___
- 81, 27, 9, 3, ___, ___
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