2.3 Sequences
Describe, generate and generalise linear and non-linear sequences from numerical, symbolic and diagrammatic patterns.
How to study WJEC GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy
Move from concept and notation to a justified method, show a complete mathematical chain, check scale and units, and interpret the answer in context.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Recognise, describe and continue sequence patterns.
Exam cue: Confirm the unit, entered tier, calculator condition and available formula list before choosing a method.
Concept 2
Generate terms from rules expressed in words or symbols.
Exam cue: Test the general rule against more than one term and distinguish term number from term value.
Concept 3
Find and use nth-term rules for linear and specified non-linear sequences.
Exam cue: Show a complete mathematical chain, use correct notation and units, and interpret or check the result in its original context.
Concept 4
Current matrix coverage: Unit 2. Read the exact subpoint scope in each applicable unit column.
Concept 5
Foundation content is shown in standard type in the specification; bold additions apply only to Higher Tier.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Giving only a term-to-term rule when the question asks for an nth-term expression.
Guardrail: Do not import the outgoing separate qualifications, assume a universal tier across units or ignore calculator, formula-list, context and accuracy conditions.
Assuming that every subpoint in a cross-unit strand appears in all three papers, rather than reading the correct matrix column.
Guardrail: Read the precise subpoint in the applicable unit column; a cross-unit strand does not mean every subpoint appears in every paper.
Using a Higher-only method or expectation for a Foundation entry, or importing the outgoing Mathematics/Mathematics-Numeracy structure.
Guardrail: Standard type applies to Foundation and Higher; bold specification additions are Higher-only. There is no Intermediate Tier.
Memory anchors
Term
A term is one value or object in an ordered sequence.
Term-to-term rule
A term-to-term rule generates each term from preceding terms.
Position-to-term rule
A position-to-term rule calculates a term directly from its index.
Common difference
A linear sequence has a constant first difference.
Second difference
A constant second difference signals a quadratic sequence structure.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
Solve 2x+3y=19 together with x−y=2. What is y?
The curves y=x² and y=2x+3 intersect twice. What is the sum of their x-coordinates?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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