Features of special number sequences
I can appreciate the features of special number sequences, such as square, triangular and cube.
Features of special number sequences
I can appreciate the features of special number sequences, such as square, triangular and cube.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Square number sequences are formed by squaring the position within the sequence.
- Cube number sequences are formed by cubing the position within the sequence.
- Triangular number sequences are formed by increasing the difference by one between each consecutive term.
- These special number sequences can be represented visually.
Keywords
Triangular number - A triangular number is a number that can be represented by a pattern of dots arranged into an equilateral triangle. The term number is the number of dots in a side of the triangle
Common misconception
Square numbers are any number that can be squared.
Give students counters or let them draw dot patterns to explore square numbers geometrically as well as numerically.
To help you plan your year 9 maths lesson on: Features of special number sequences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 maths lesson on: Features of special number sequences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
4, 12, 36, 108, ... -
multiply previous term by 3 to get the next term
4, 12, 20, 28, .... -
add 8 to the previous term to get the next term
4, 12, 22, 34, ... -
add 8, then add 10, increasing the difference by 2 each time
4, 12, 21, 31, ... -
add 8, then add 9, increasing the difference by 1 each time
4, 12, 28, 60, ... -
multiply the previous term by 2 and add 4 to get the next term
Exit quiz
6 Questions
24 -
$$4^{th}$$ square number + $$2^{nd}$$ cube number
122 -
$$1^{st}$$ triangular number + $$11^{th}$$ square number
100 -
$$9^{th}$$ triangular number + $$10^{th}$$ triangular number
140 -
$$5^{th}$$ cube number + $$5^{th}$$ triangular number
8 -
$$6^{th}$$ square number − $$7^{th}$$ triangular number
0 -
$$8^{th}$$ square number − $$4^{th}$$ cube number
