Number Sequences
A number sequence is a list of numbers that follow a rule. Arithmetic sequences add or subtract the same amount each time.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Arithmetic sequences increase or decrease by a constant common difference
The common difference is found by subtracting consecutive terms
Skip counting sequences are a type of arithmetic sequence
Finding the rule lets us predict any term in the sequence
Key Vocabulary
Sequence
An ordered list of numbers following a rule
Common difference
The fixed amount added or subtracted between terms in an arithmetic sequence
Ascending
Going up, or increasing in value
Descending
Going down, or decreasing in value
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
What are the next two terms in: 3, 7, 11, 15, ___, ___?
Question 2
The rule is "subtract 6". Starting at 42, what is the 4th term?
Question 3
Which sequence has a common difference of 5?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Arithmetic sequences increase or decrease by a constant common difference
- ●The common difference is found by subtracting consecutive terms
- ●Skip counting sequences are a type of arithmetic sequence
- ●Finding the rule lets us predict any term in the sequence