Write Rules From Tables

Begin with Evaluate Sequence Expressions and Find Terms From a Rule, then move to Find the Term Number. Assign the rule writing sheets next, and use the riddle and the matching sheet as quick self-checks.

Write the nth term rule for 10 tables of terms, including tables that count down like 124, 109, 94, 79. The directions on the page read: Write an expression for the nth term of each table. If the terms count down, write a number minus a multiple of n. The page opens with a worked example, and an answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade algebra, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Replace n with the term number, then multiply before you add or subtract. For the rule 3n + 5, the 7th term is 3 times 7 plus 5, which is 26. Evaluate Sequence Expressions gives 14 rules to practice.

Multiply n by the common difference, then add or subtract the number that makes n = 1 give the first term. For 6, 11, 16, 21 the difference is 5 and 6 minus 5 is 1, so the rule is 5n + 1. Write a Rule for the Sequence uses this method.

Write a number minus a multiple of n. For 50, 44, 38, 32 the sequence counts down by 6, and 50 + 6 is 56, so the rule is 56 minus 6n. Write Rules for Decreasing Sequences practices this with 12 sequences.

Set the rule equal to the value and solve for n. For 4n + 9 = 61, subtract 9 to get 52 and divide by 4 to get n = 13. Find the Term Number has 8 problems like this.