Sequences and Patterns
1. Arithmetic Sequences
An arithmetic sequence is a sequence of numbers in which the difference between
consecutive terms is constant. This constant difference is called the common difference (d).
General term (nth term) formula:
Tn = a + (n - 1)d
where:
a = first term,
d = common difference,
n = term number.
Example:
Find the nth term of the sequence 5, 10, 15, 20, ...
Here, a = 5, d = 5
Tn = 5 + (n - 1) * 5 = 5n
Practice Questions:
1. Find the 10th term of the sequence 3, 7, 11, 15, ...
2. Find the missing term: 2, 4, __, 8, 10
3. Write the nth term formula for the sequence: 12, 9, 6, 3, ...
2. Geometric Sequences
A geometric sequence is a sequence of numbers where each term is found by multiplying
the previous term by a constant ratio (r).
General term (nth term) formula:
Tn = a * r^(n-1)
where:
a = first term,
r = common ratio,
n = term number.
Example:
Find the nth term of the sequence 3, 6, 12, 24, ...
Here, a = 3, r = 2
Tn = 3 * 2^(n - 1)
Practice Questions:
1. Find the 6th term of the sequence 2, 4, 8, 16, ...
2. Identify whether the sequence is arithmetic or geometric: 5, 10, 15, 20, ...
3. Find the nth term formula for the sequence: 81, 27, 9, 3, ...
3. Differences Between Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
Arithmetic sequence:
- Common difference (addition or subtraction)
- Formula: Tn = a + (n - 1)d
Geometric sequence:
- Common ratio (multiplication or division)
- Formula: Tn = a * r^(n-1)
Practice Questions:
Identify if the following sequences are arithmetic (A) or geometric (G):
1. 4, 7, 10, 13, ...
2. 2, 6, 18, 54, ...
3. 100, 90, 80, 70, ...
4. 81, 27, 9, 3, ...
4. Real-Life Problems Involving Number Patterns
Example 1 (Arithmetic): A taxi charges Rs. 200 for the first km and Rs. 150 for every
additional km.
Total cost for n km = 200 + (n - 1) * 150
Example 2 (Geometric): A water tank contains 1000 litres, half evaporates daily.
Water left after n days = 1000 * (1/2)^(n - 1)
Practice Question:
A phone’s price increases by Rs. 500 every year, starting at Rs. 10,000. Write the formula to
find the price after n years.