Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 8
Calculating any term
I can calculate any term using the n^th term.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The position to term rule can be expressed using n.
- A sequence can be generated using successive values of n .
- Any term can be calculated using the n^th term.
Keywords
Arithmetic sequence - An arithmetic (or linear) sequence is a sequence where the difference between successive terms is a constant.
Common misconception
That the sequence $$3n+2$$ starts with 3 and adds 2, or starts with 2 and adds 3.
Calculate the first few terms. Ask, "When $$n = 1$$ what is the term value?" This is the first value for our sequence.
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Calculating any term, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 maths lesson on: Calculating any term, 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.
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Explore more key stage 3 maths lessons from the Sequences unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these words is also used to describe an arithmetic sequence?
Q2.Which is the simplified version of $$2 \times a + 5 \times b + 3$$?
Q3.If $$a=5$$ and $$b=7$$ what is the value of the expression $$2a+5b+3$$?
Q4. When $$n=5$$ what is the term value?
Q5.Evaluate the expression $$70-3x$$ when $$x=50$$.
Q6.Given that $$a=9$$. $$b=-7$$. Put these expressions in order from lowest to highest value.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The $$n^\text{th}$$ term can be used to calculate any term in a sequence so we can call it a __________ for finding the $$n^\text{th}$$ term.
Q2.If the $$n^\text{th}$$ term is $$3n+7$$ what are the first five terms?
Q3.What is the 5$$^\text{th}$$ term of $$0.3n + 0.07$$?
Q4.What are the first five terms of $$10-2n$$?
Q5.Order these term values from lowest to highest.
Q6.Which statements are true for the arithmetic sequence $$1.25n-0.3$$?