Foundation & Higher

Sequences GCSE questions

nth term and “is this number in the sequence?” questions. Find the difference, then the constant.

Linear

nth term = (difference)n + constant. Use n = 1 to find the constant.

Practice questions

Cover the answers and have a go first. Worked solutions are underneath.

Question 1 [2 marks]

nth term of 5, 9, 13, 17, …

Question 2 [1 mark]

10th term of 2n − 3

Question 3 [2 marks]

Is 40 in the sequence 5n − 1?

Common mistakes

Answers and working

Q1. 4n + 1
Q2. 17
Q3. No. 5n − 1 = 40 gives n = 8.2, which is not a whole number.

Frequently asked questions

Quadratic sequences?

Higher: second difference constant. The n² coefficient is (second difference) / 2.

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