Linear Sequence - GCSE Maths Definition

What is a linear sequence in GCSE maths?

A linear sequence in GCSE maths is a sequence of numbers where the difference between any two consecutive terms is the same. This constant difference is known as the common difference.

For example, the sequence 3, 5, 7, 9, ... is a linear sequence because it has a common difference of 2.

The sequence 3, 5, 8, 12, ... is not a linear sequence, as the difference between consecutive terms changes.

Linear sequences can be represented by an n^th term formula of the form where is the common difference, and is the value before the first term (you could think of it as the zero-th term).

E.g. The n^th term formula for 3, 5, 7, 9, ... is .

Understanding linear sequences is important for GCSE Maths, as it helps in identifying patterns and solving problems including finding missing terms.

Linear sequence revision resources to ace your exams

Save My Exams has a great range of resources to explore linear sequences in more detail. Try exploring our linear sequences revision notes and answering our exam questions.

Explore our GCSE Maths revision resources.