A sequence is a progression of numbers formed according to some rule or pattern. As examples, here are some sequences: +2 +2 +2 1. 8,10,12,14,...(8 10 12 14) 2. 1,4,9,16,.... 3. 8,1,10,4,12,9,....(combining A,B) 4. -1,-3,-9,-27,.... :RA Any term in such a pattern is formed by applying addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to the preceding term or terms. Then, in sequence A, 2 added to a term produces the next term; and in sequence D, each term multiplied by 3 produces the next term. Extracting roots or raising to powers (see sequence B) may also be involved. Sometimes, a combination of these operations (sequence C) makes the pattern. :RA Each sequence has its own pattern which applies to all the terms in the sequence. Thus, if you find an apparent relationship in the first two or three terms, you should see whether it holds for the other terms before you accept it as the true pattern. :ET :ET Copyright ARROW INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS July 1983
