Sequence - A Level Maths Definition

What is a sequence?

In A Level Maths, a sequence is a set of numbers arranged in a specific order according to a particular rule, pattern or formula, for example 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, ...

Each number in the sequence is called a term and terms can be referred to using letters, such as for the first term, for the second term, for the third term, etc.

Sequences can be finite, with a limited number of terms, or infinite, extending indefinitely. There are many different types of sequences, including arithmetic sequences (adding the same amount each time) and geometric sequences (multiplying by the same amount each time).

Be careful: a sequence is not the same as a series (a series is the sum of the terms in a sequence).

Sequence resources to ace your exams

You can find out more about sequences by reading our revision notes. We also have exam questions on sequences to test your knowledge. For all of our A Level Maths resources (including past papers), click the link below.

Explore our A Level Maths revision resources