Sequences

A sequence is a list of numbers in a certain order. Each number comes after the one before it using a rule. For example, 2, 4, 6, 8 is a sequence where we add 2 each time. Finding the rule helps you guess what comes next.

Kinds of Sequences

There are many kinds of number sequences. Some grow by adding the same number each time, like 5, 10, 15, 20. Others grow by multiplying, like 2, 4, 8, 16. Some sequences go down instead of up. Learning to spot the rule is the key to solving them.

Famous Sequences

One of the most famous sequences is the Fibonacci sequence. It starts with 1 and 1, then adds the last two numbers to get the next. So it goes 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13. This pattern even shows up in nature, like in flowers and shells. Math can be found in beautiful places.

Fun Facts

• Sunflower seeds often grow in Fibonacci sequence patterns.
• The numbers in a sequence are called terms.
• Counting by twos or fives is a simple number sequence.

Did You Know?

Some sequences go on forever and never stop, like counting numbers 1, 2, 3, and so on.