Maths Quiz - Level 5-6 Algebra - nth Term (Answers)
Discovering algebra is a big part of KS3 Maths. In algebra, we use letters instead of numbers. For example, the letter 'n' (often in italics) shows where a term is in a sequence, and we call it the 'nth' term.
Figuring out the rule for a number pattern can be easy or a bit tricky. Have you heard of the Fibonacci sequence? It creates a cool spiral pattern seen in nature. The rule: add the previous two numbers to find the next one. The nth term? Well, that's for advanced maths - no need to worry about that just yet!
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Let's try an easier example. If a sequence starts with 5 and goes up in twos, the nth term is 2n + 3 (like 2 x 1 + 3 = 5, 2 x 2 + 3 = 7). It might seem tricky, but work through this quiz and read the helpful comments – you'll soon catch on to the idea!
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You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Algebraic terms and expressions
In the 1st term the value of n will be 1 and therefore the answer can be found as follows: (3 x 1) + 1
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The answer can be found as follows: (3 x 3) + 1
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We are told that we need the 8th term. We put an 8 where the n is and then work it out: (3 x 8) + 1
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(14 x 2) - 6
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(4 + 1)2
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(2 x 3)2 + 1
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(5 x n) + 1
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These are known as square numbers. The 1st number in the sequence is 1 x 1; the 2nd number is 2 x 2; the 3rd number is 3 x 3 etc.
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These are known as cube numbers. The 1st number in the sequence is 1 x 1 x 1; the 2nd number is 2 x 2 x 2; the 3rd number is 3 x 3 x 3 and the 4th number will be 4 x 4 x 4
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This is known as the Fibonacci sequence. To find each number you add together the two previous numbers. After 13 comes 21 (8 + 13) and then comes 34 (21 + 13)
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