IGCSE · Mathematics 0580 · Algebra & graphs

Sequences: IGCSE Mathematics questions with answers

Free Sequences questions for IGCSE Mathematics (0580), part of Algebra & graphs. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Sequences practice questions

Question 1Structured · 5 marksA* challenge
(a)

Find the nth term of the sequence
6, 10, 18, 30, 46, …

[3]
(b)

Which term of the sequence is equal to 150?

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)2n2 − 2n + 6
second differences 4, so 2n2 M1
remaining sequence linear: −2n + 6 M1
2n2 − 2n + 6 A1
3
(b)the 9th term
2n2 − 2n + 6 = 150 solved M1
9 A1
2
Question 2Structured · 4 marks

Here are the first four terms of a sequence.
9, 11, 13, 15

(a)

Find the nth term.

[2]
(b)

Find the 20th term.

[1]
(c)

Show that 30 is not a term in the sequence.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)2n + 7
2n B1
2n + 7 B1
2
(b)47
47 B1
1
(c)non-integer n
solves nth term = value giving non-integer n B1
1
Question 3Structured · 3 marksA* challenge

The first term of a geometric sequence is 2 and the common ratio is 3.

(a)

Find the nth term.

[1]
(b)

Find the first term that is greater than 1000.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)2 × 3n − 1
2 × 3n − 1 B1
1
(b)1458
repeated multiplication or trial M1
1458 A1
2
Question 4Structured · 8 marksA* challenge

The first five terms of a sequence are
6, 13, 24, 39, 58, …

(a)

Find an expression, in terms of n, for the nth term.

[3]
(b)

Show that 468 is a term of the sequence and find its position.

[3]
(c)

Find the first term of the sequence that is greater than 1413.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)2n2 + n + 3
second difference 4 M1
2n2 used M1
2n2 + n + 3 A1
3
(b)n = 15
2n2 + n − 465 = 0 M1
solve (factorise or formula) M1
n = 15 (positive integer) A1
3
(c)1488 (the 27th term)
trial or solving the inequality M1
1488 A1
2
Question 5Structured · 5 marksA* challenge
(a)

Find the nth term of the sequence
1, −2, −3, −2, 1, …

[3]
(b)

Which term of the sequence is equal to 141?

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)n2 − 6n + 6
second differences 2, so n2 M1
remaining sequence linear: −6n + 6 M1
n2 − 6n + 6 A1
3
(b)the 15th term
n2 − 6n + 6 = 141 solved M1
15 A1
2
Question 6Structured · 3 marksA* challenge

The nth term of sequence P is 6n − 5.
The nth term of sequence Q is 67 − 3n.
The kth term of P is equal to the kth term of Q.
Find k and the value of this term.

[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
k = 8, term = 43
6k − 5 = 67 − 3k M1
k = 8 A1
43 A1
3

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in