Sequences
A sequence is an ordered list of numbers (terms) that follows a consistent rule. In Grade 6 Saxon Math Course 1 (Chapter 1: Number, Operations, and Algebra), students identify two main types: addition sequences add the same common difference each time (e.g., 2, 5, 8, 11—add 3), and multiplication sequences multiply each term by the same common ratio (e.g., 3, 6, 12, 24—multiply by 2). Students find missing terms by identifying the rule and applying it forward or backward. Recognizing the pattern type—addition vs. multiplication—is the essential first step.
Key Concepts
Property A sequence is an ordered list of numbers, called terms , that follows a certain rule. An addition sequence adds the same number to each term. A multiplication sequence multiplies each term by the same number to get the next term.
Examples An addition sequence with the rule 'add 6': $6, 12, 18, 24, 30, \dots$.
A multiplication sequence with the rule 'multiply by 4': $1, 4, 16, 64, 256, \dots$.
Common Questions
What is a sequence in mathematics?
A sequence is an ordered list of numbers where each term follows a specific rule. The terms are the numbers in the list.
What is an addition sequence?
An addition sequence adds the same number (common difference) to each term to get the next. Example: 4, 7, 10, 13 adds 3 each time.
What is a multiplication sequence?
A multiplication sequence multiplies each term by the same number (common ratio) to get the next. Example: 2, 6, 18, 54 multiplies by 3 each time.
Find the next two terms in the sequence 5, 10, 15, 20.
Common difference is +5. Next terms: 25, 30.
Find the missing term: 8, 13, __, 23, 28.
Common difference is +5. Missing term: 13 + 5 = 18.