Checking and securing understanding of special number sequences
I can identify the features of special number sequences.
Checking and securing understanding of special number sequences
I can identify the features of special number sequences.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Special number sequences are not arithmetic.
- Special number sequences are not geometric.
- Special number sequences are generated using different rules.
Keywords
Square number - A square number is the product of two repeated integers.
Cube number - A cube number is the product of three repeated integers.
Triangular number - A triangular number (or triangle number) is a number that can be represented by a pattern of dots arranged into an equilateral triangle.
Sequence - A sequence is an ordered list of terms, usually formed according to a rule.
Nth 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
After becoming very familiar with arithmetic sequences pupils can find the difference between the first two terms and just assume the sequence is arithmetic.
Pupils should check the relationship between all stated consecutive terms as they now have seen a variety of sequences.
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Checking and securing understanding of special number sequences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Checking and securing understanding 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 4 maths lessons from the Further sequences unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ... -
common second difference of 1
1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ... -
common second difference of 2
2, 8, 18, 32, 50, ... -
common second difference of 4
10, 30, 60, 100, 150, ... -
common second difference of 10
3, 9, 18, 30, ... -
common second difference of 3
3, 10, 29, 66, ... -
The cube numbers add 2
3, 12, 27, 48, ... -
The square numbers multiplied by 3
5, 12, 31, 68, ... -
The cube numbers add 4
5, 15, 30, 50, ... -
The triangular numbers multiplied by 5
5, 20, 45, 80, ... -
The square numbers multiplied by 5