Generate a rule from a patternExamples

Numbers written in a specific order can form a sequence. Terms in a sequence can be related by patterns such as a common difference. Sequences where terms have a common difference are called 'arithmetic sequences.'

Part ofMathsPatterns and relationships

Examples

Common examples of arithmetic sequences

  • even numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10... (common difference is +2)
  • odd numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9... (common difference is +2)
  • times tables: eg 5, 10, 15, 20, 25... (common difference is +5)
  • moving at constant speed, eg walking the same distance every 10 minutes.
  • shape patterns (like the image below):
Shape pattern showing an arithmetic sequence. The common difference = +1
Shape pattern showing an arithmetic sequence. The common difference = +1
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Arthimetic sequences

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