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GCSE Maths: Sequences (nth term)

Find and use the nth term of linear and quadratic sequences. Practise it with adaptive questions for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas.

AlgebraFoundation & HigherAQA · Edexcel · OCR · Eduqas

What you need to know

The concepts examiners test on sequences (nth term), and what each one is really asking.

Find the nth term of a linear sequence
Generate terms from an nth term formula
Determine if a value is in a sequence
Find nth term of quadratic sequences

Where marks get lost

The exam technique that separates a correct method from a correct answer.

  • Using the first term as the coefficient of n
  • Forgetting to subtract d from the first term to find the constant
  • Not checking the formula with other terms
  • Confusing term number with term value

Sequences (nth term) questions students ask

Is Sequences (nth term) on the Foundation paper?

Yes. Sequences (nth term) appears at both Foundation and Higher tier, though Higher papers take it further.

What should I know before starting Sequences (nth term)?

It builds on Times tables and Substitution and Negative numbers. If those feel shaky, practise them first — Sequences (nth term) questions assume them.

What is the most common mistake in Sequences (nth term)?

Using the first term as the coefficient of n.

Which exam boards cover Sequences (nth term)?

All four we support — AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. GCSE Maths subject content is set by the DfE, so the topic is common to every board; what changes is the paper structure and the grade boundaries.