Extrapolating a sequence
I can appreciate that there are other number sequences and the limitations of only seeing a few terms of a sequence.
Extrapolating a sequence
I can appreciate that there are other number sequences and the limitations of only seeing a few terms of a sequence.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are more sequences than the ones seen so far.
- A numerical sequence is just a set of numbers often following a rule.
- If you only see a few of the terms, it is possible to incorrectly deduce the rule.
Keywords
Arithmetic/linear sequence - An arithmetic (or linear) sequence is a sequence where the difference between successive terms is constant.
Geometric sequence - A geometric sequence is a sequence with a constant multiplicative relationship between successive terms.
Common misconception
Sequences are either arithmetic or geometric.
There are many ways sequences can be generated and you can usually find more than one rule than can fit the first few terms of a sequence. Exploring these will ensure pupils don't have a narrow experience of sequences.
To help you plan your year 9 maths lesson on: Extrapolating a sequence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 maths lesson on: Extrapolating a sequence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Non-linear relationships unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
3, 6, 9, 12, ... -
add 3 to the previous term to get the next term.
3, 6, 12, 24, ... -
multiply the previous term by 2 to get the next term.
3, 6, 10, 15, ... -
triangular numbers greater than 1.
3, 6, 12, 21, ... -
add 3, add 6, add 9, common second difference of 3.
3, 6, 15, 42, ... -
triple the previous term and subtract 3 to get the next term.