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0580/33 May/Jun 2026, Question 8: Pattern Sequences and Special Sequences

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 · Paper 33 (Core) · Calculator · 5 marks

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The question, in short

Complete a missing-term sequence, find the nth term of a fraction sequence, and generate terms using a multiply-by-−2 rule from −1.

Summarised in our own words. Use the official paper for the exact wording and any diagrams.

Part (a) · 2 marks

Fill in the missing first and sixth terms of the sequence with 17, 13, 8, 2.

  1. 1Differences: 17 → 13 is −4, 13 → 8 is −5, 8 → 2 is −6
  2. 2Differences decrease by 1 each time
  3. 3First term = 17 + 3 = 20
  4. 4Sixth term = 2 − 7 = −5

Answer20 and −5

Part (b) · 1 mark

Write the nth term of the sequence 3/2, 6/2, 9/2, 12/2.

  1. 1Denominators are all 2
  2. 2Numerators 3, 6, 9, 12 are 3n
  3. 3nth term = 3n/2

Answer3n/2

Part (c) · 2 marks

Starting from −1, write the next three terms using the rule multiply by −2.

  1. 1−1 × −2 = 2
  2. 22 × −2 = −4
  3. 3−4 × −2 = 8

Answer2, −4, 8

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Also searched as: 0580/33/M/J/26 · 0580_s26_qp_33 · 0580 s26 33 · question 8.
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