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Maths•SHS Logarithms & Sequences

Sequences and series

Senior High 6 questions
AI-drafted from platform data — specialist review scheduledBy DigiTransact Mastermind editorial teamLast updated
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What sequences and series means

You look for patterns where each term changes by a fixed amount or by a fixed multiplier. This helps you find missing terms, compare sequences, and solve questions set at SHS level.

What you will practise

  • Find the next term in an arithmetic sequence
  • Work out the common difference from given terms
  • Find the next term in a geometric sequence
  • Identify whether a pattern adds or multiplies each time

Before you start

You should be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide confidently. You also need to read number patterns and spot simple term-to-term changes.

Not confident yet? Work through Logarithms first.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Find the next term: 3, 7, 11, 15, __

  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
Answer: 19

Working: This arithmetic sequence adds 4 each time: 15 + 4 = 19.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Adding when the pattern is multiplying, so check the change between terms first.
  • Using the first two terms only, instead of checking several terms for the pattern.
  • Forgetting the common difference stays the same in an arithmetic sequence.
  • Multiplying by the wrong number in a geometric sequence, so follow the repeated factor carefully.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES SHS syllabusWASSCE

This topic normally appears in the SHS 1-3 algebra section as part of number patterns and progression work. It supports WASSCE preparation because questions often ask you to find terms, common differences, or common ratios from a sequence.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.

Related skills

Other SHS Logarithms & Sequences skills in Maths, at the same point in the course.

Other Maths topics

Picture Addition & SubtractionEarly NumeracyNumber BasicsSHS Core MathematicsUniversity MathematicsAlgebra

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Exams that assess sequences and series

Senior High work on this skill feeds directly into these exam papers. Each page lists the Maths topics that appear on it.

WASSCEWASSCE practice questionsFree WASSCE practice across the subjects at this stage, with worked answers.GESGES practice questionsFree GES practice across the subjects at this stage, with worked answers.BECEBECE practice questionsListed as a related subject on the BECE practice page.

How this page was produced

This text was drafted with AI assistance from the questions and topics already stored on the platform. A subject-specialist review is scheduled but has not yet been recorded, so we do not claim it here.

Written by
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Practise sequences and series

6 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.

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