Finding the nth term
I can find the n^th term rule by investigating the common difference.
Finding the nth term
I can find the n^th term rule by investigating the common difference.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Finding the common difference can help when finding the n^th term rule.
- Comparing the sequence to an appropriate multiplication table can help identify the translation that has been made.
- The n^th term can be found for all arithmetic sequences.
- The n^th term rule can be used to identify the term number of a given number in a sequence.
Keywords
N^th term - The nth term of a sequence is the position of a term in a sequence where n stands for the term number.
Common misconception
That the sequence 6,11,16,21, ... is 5n+6 because it goes up by 5 and starts at 6.
Compare 6,11,16,21, ... to 5,10,15,20, ... "What is the shift? The translation? If that is 5n then this is 5n with how much more?"
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Finding the nth term, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Finding the nth term, 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 Sequences 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
Exit quiz
6 Questions