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If a number sequence increases by one each time, the rule for the nth term is n + 1.

Number Sequences 2 (Difficult)

Numbers, music, and nature all share patterns. This 11 Plus Maths quiz explores sequences that appear everywhere, from songs to rivers, and even in branching trees.

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Fascinating Fact:

Sequences are everywhere, from the beats in your favourite song to the way trees branch and rivers split, nature’s way of counting without a calculator.

In 11 Plus Maths, pupils study number sequences to recognise hidden patterns. Understanding how numbers build, repeat, or change helps develop logical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.

  • Sequence: A list of numbers that follow a particular rule or pattern.
  • Pattern: A repeated or predictable arrangement in numbers, shapes, or sounds.
  • Rule: The mathematical instruction used to find the next number in a sequence.
How are number sequences used in real life?

Number sequences are found in music beats, nature’s patterns, computer coding, and even in daily routines like traffic lights or timetables.

What makes a number sequence difficult?

Difficult sequences may use multiple rules, alternate between patterns, or include multiplication and division instead of simple addition or subtraction.

Why do we learn number sequences in maths?

Learning sequences strengthens logical reasoning, helps spot relationships between numbers, and prepares pupils for topics such as algebra and coding.

1 .
Find the missing term.
3, 9, 15, 21, X, 33, ...
23
25
27
29
The rule for the nth term = 6n - 3. Put in the values of 1, 2, 3, 4, ... in turn and see for yourself how the sequence is produced
2 .
Find the missing term.
32, 131, X, 329, ...
180
210
240
230
The next term is got from the previous term by adding 99, e.g. 32 + 99 = 131 and so on
3 .
Find the missing term.
-19, 4, 27, X, ...
50
40
60
70
The next term is got from the previous term by adding 23, e.g. -19 + 23 = 4 and so on
4 .
Find the missing term.
22, 8, X, -20, ...
-2
-6
2
6
The next term is got from the previous term by subtracting 14, e.g. 22 – 14 = 8 and so on
5 .
Find the missing term.
-2, 2, 6, X, ...
14
12
10
8
The rule for the nth term = 3n + (n - 2). Put in the values of 1, 2, 3, 4, ... in turn and see for yourself how the sequence is produced
6 .
Find the missing term.
0.2, 2.4, 28.8, X, ...
57.9
123.4
288
345.6
The next term is got from the previous term by multiplying by 12, e.g. 0.2 x 12 = 2.4 and so on. You might need to use your calculator for this one!
7 .
Find the missing term.
-84, -42, -21, X, ...
-10.5
-14
-7
-8.5
The next term is got from the previous term by dividing by 2, e.g. -84 ÷ 2 = -42 and so on
8 .
Find the missing term.
1, 1.2, 1.44, X, ...
1.88
1.728
1.96
2.223
The next term is got from the previous term by multiplying by 1.2, e.g. 1.2 x 1.2 = 1.44 and so on.
Sometimes it is necessary to use your calculator!
9 .
Find the missing term.
1,000, 250, X, 15.625 ...
125
104
62.5
48.4
The next term is got from the previous term by dividing by 4, e.g. 1,000 ÷ 4 = 250 and so on
10 .
Find the missing term.
-2, 2, 6, 10, X, ...
11
12
13
14
The rule for the nth term = 5n - (n + 2). Put in the values of 1, 2, 3, 4, ... in turn and see for yourself how the sequence is produced
Author:  Frank Evans (Specialist 11 Plus Teacher and Tutor)

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