A linear sequence (also known as arithmetic sequence) is a sequence of numbers that have a constant difference, for example 2, 5, 8, 11, ... have a constant difference of 3 are so make a linear sequence. The nth term of any linear sequence with be of the form nth term =an+b, a linear function.
Any sequence that does not have a constant difference is called a non-linear sequence, for example 1, 4, 9, 16... or 1, 3, 6, 10,...
Any sequence that does not have a constant difference is called a non-linear sequence, for example 1, 4, 9, 16... or 1, 3, 6, 10,...
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Glossary
constant
a value in a formula or equation that cannot change.
function
A rule that connects one value in one set with one and only one value in another set.
linear
Straight, not curved. A linear equation is of the first degree, for example y = 2x+1.
sequence
a number pattern in a definite order following a certain rule
union
The union of two sets A and B is the set containing all the elements of A and B.
This question appears in the following syllabi:
| Syllabus | Module | Section | Topic | Exam Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQA GCSE (9-1) Foundation (UK) | A: Sequences | A24: Common Sequences | Recognising Sequences | - |
| AQA GCSE (9-1) Higher (UK) | A: Sequences | A24: Further Sequences, Including Surds | Non-Linear Sequences | - |
| CIE IGCSE (9-1) Maths (0626 UK) | 2 Algebra and Graphs | B2.7 Sequences | Recognising Sequences | - |
| Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Foundation (UK) | A: Sequences | A24: Common Sequences | Recognising Sequences | - |
| Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Higher (UK) | A: Sequences | A24: Further Sequences, Including Surds | Non-Linear Sequences | - |
| GCSE Foundation (UK) | Algebra | Sequences | Non-linear sequences | - |
| GCSE Higher (UK) | Algebra | Sequences | Non-linear sequences | - |
| OCR GCSE (9-1) Foundation (UK) | 6: Algebra | 6.06a: Generate Terms of a Sequence | Non-Linear Sequences | - |
| Universal (all site questions) | S | Sequences | Non-linear sequences | - |