Lemmara logoLemmaraWorked solution

4MA1/1F Jun 2024, Question 16: Linear Sequences and Common Difference

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A 4MA1 · Paper 1F (Foundation) · Calculator · 3 marks

اقرأ هذا الحل مشروحاً بالعربي ←

The question, in short

Given the opening terms 1, 4, 7, 10 of an arithmetic sequence, derive a formula for the nth term, then use a separate rule 5n + 17 to work out its 12th term.

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

Part (a) · 2 marks

Using the listed terms, write a general formula in n that generates this arithmetic sequence.

  1. 1The terms go up by 3 each time, so the nth term starts with 3n.
  2. 2When n = 1, 3n = 3, but the first term is 1.
  3. 31 − 3 = −2, so the nth term is 3n − 2

Answer3n − 2

Part (b) · 1 mark

Substitute n = 12 into the given expression 5n + 17 to obtain the term's value.

  1. 15 × 12 + 17 = 60 + 17
  2. 260 + 17 = 77

Answer77

Stuck on a step? Read the free lesson: Linear Sequences and Common Difference

Practise more linear sequences and common difference questions

Real 4MA1 past-paper questions, marked on your working like the exam, with a worked solution for every part.

Practise free on Lemmara

More past-paper questions on linear sequences and common difference

Also searched as: 4MA1 1F June 2024 · 4MA1/1F · 4ma1 jun24 1f · question 16.
Lemmara is an independent study tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel. The worked solutions are Lemmara’s own.