GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World

Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics

Problem Solving with

1.3 Problem Solving and Reasoning

Overview Patterns

By studying patterns in math, humans become aware of patterns

in our world. Observing patterns allows individuals to develop their
ability to predict future behaviour of natural organisms and
phenomena.
Sequence is one of the basic topics in Arithmetic. An itemized
collection of elements in which repetitions of any sort is allowed is
known as a sequence. A sequence is a list of items/objects which have
been arranged in a sequential way. The fundamentals could be better
understood by solving problems based on the formulas. The module is
divided into three parts. The first part is the introduction of the terms
of a sequence. Lessons include the difference table and the nth-term
formula for a sequence. Lessons on the Fibonacci sequence and
Polygonal numbers are
discussed in the second part and third part, respectively.

Learning Outcomes

After working on this module, you will be able to:

1. define the terms of a sequence, Fibonacci sequence
and polygonal numbers;
2. use difference table to determine the next term of a sequence and
the
𝑛th-term formula of a sequence; and
3. use the 𝑛th-term formula, Fibonacci numbers, and 𝑛th-term
formula for polygonal numbers to determine the nth-term of
a sequence.

Activities To Do
Predict the next term of each
sequence. 1. 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, ...
2. 5, 14, 27, 44, 65, ...
3. 2, 7, 24, 59, 118, 207, ...
Questions To Ponder
The given activity simply tells you to determine the next term of each
sequence, however, you need to consider the questions:
 What is the 150th term of each sequence? Is it possible to determine
the 150th term using the solution we have learned in Module 1?
 Can we formulate a general rule in finding the next terms (or
numbers) in a sequence?

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern 1

GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics
Introduction to Terms of a Sequence

An ordered list of numbers such as

2, 5, 8, 11, 14, ...

is called a sequence. The numbers in a sequence that are separated by commas

are the terms of the sequence. In the above sequence, 2 is the first term, 5 is the
second term, 8 is the third term, 11 is the fourth term, and 14 is the fifth term.
The three dots “...” indicate that the sequence continues beyond 14, which is the
last written term. It is customary to use the subscript notation
𝑎𝑛 to designate the nth term of a sequence. That is,

𝑎1 represents the first term of a sequence.

𝑎2 represents the second term of a sequence.
𝑎3 represents the third term of a sequence.
⋮
𝑎𝑛 represents the nth term of a sequence.

In the sequence 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, ... ,𝑛2 + 𝑛, ...

𝑎1= 2, 𝑎2 = 5, 𝑎3 = 8, 𝑎4 = 11, 𝑎5 = 14, and 𝑎𝑛 =𝑛2 + 𝑛.

When we examine a sequence, it is natural to ask:

 What is the next term?
 What formula or rule can be used to generate the terms?

To answer these questions, we often construct a difference table, which

shows the differences between successive terms of the sequence. The following
table is a difference table for the sequence 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, ...

[Link] pg.16

Each of the numbers in row (1) of the table is the difference between the
two closest numbers just above it (upper right number minus upper left number).
The differences in row (1) are called the first differences of the sequence. In this
case, the first differences are all the same. Thus, if we use the above difference
table to predict the next number in the sequence, we predict that 14 + 3 = 17 is
the next term of the sequence. This prediction might be wrong; however, the
pattern shown by the first differences seems to indicate that each successive term
is 3 larger than the preceding term.

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 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
1 Construct a difference table to predict the next term of the sequence.
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics

5, 14, 27, 44, 65, ...

Exampl

The next term of the

Solution

sequence is 90.
e

[Link] pg.16

In the above example, the first differences are not all the same. In such
a situation, it is often helpful to compute the successive differences of the first
differences. These are shown in row (2). These differences of the first differences
are called the second differences. The differences of the second differences are
called the third differences.

To predict the next term of a sequence, we often look for a pattern in a row
of differences. For instance, in the following table, the second differences shown
in blue are the same constant, namely 4. If the pattern continues, then a 4 would
also be the next second difference, and we can extend the table to the right as
shown.

[Link] pg.17

Now we work upward. That is, we add 4 to the first difference 21 to

produce the next first difference, 25. We then add this difference to the fifth term,
65, to predict that 90 is the next term in the sequence. This process can be
repeated to predict additional terms of the sequence.

2 Construct a difference table to predict the next term of the sequence.

2, 7, 24, 59, 118, 207, ...
E

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 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics
Solution
xample

[Link] pg.17

The next term of the sequence is 332

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 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics
The third differences, shown in blue in row (3), are all the same constant, 6.
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing

Extending row
(3) so that it includes an additional 6 enables us to predict that the next second
difference will be
36. Adding 36 to the first difference 89 gives us the next first difference, 125.
Adding 125 to the sixth term 207 yields 332. Using the method of extending the
difference table, we predict that 332 is the next term in the sequence.

Self-Assessment Activity 1
Construct a difference table to predict the next term of
each sequence a. 1, 7, 17, 31, 49, 71, ...
b. 10, 10, 12, 16, 22, 30, ...

𝒏th-Term Formula for a Sequence

To find the first five terms of a sequence, write an explicit formula that
represent the sequence. As an example, consider the formula 𝑎𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 𝑛. This
formula defines a sequence and provides a method for finding any term of the
sequence. For instance, if we replace 𝑛 with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, then the
formula 𝑎𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 𝑛 generates the sequence 4, 14, 30, 52, 80, 114. Now, to find
the 40th term, replace each 𝑛 with 40.

𝑎𝑛 = 3𝑛2 + 𝑛
𝑎40= 3(40)2 + 40
𝑎40= 4840

The expression 𝑎𝑛 is referred to as the general or 𝒏th term of the sequence.

3
Write the first five terms of a sequence described by the general term 𝒂𝒏 =
3𝒏 + 2
Example

Solution:

𝑎𝑛 = 3𝑛 + 2
𝑎1 = 3(1) + 2 =
𝑎2 = 3(2) + 2 =
5

𝑎3 = 3(3) + 2 =
8

𝑎4 = 3(4) + 2 =
11

𝑎5 = 3(5) + 2 =
14
17

Therefore, the first five terms are 5, 8, 11, 14 and 17

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 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics

Write the first five terms of a 𝒂𝒏 = 2(𝟑𝒏−𝟏)

4
Example

Solution:

𝑎𝑛 = 2(3𝑛−1)
𝑎1 = 2(31−1) = 2(30) = 2(1) = 2
𝑎2 = 2(32−1) = 2(31) = 2(3) = 6
𝑎3 = 2(33−1) = 2(32) = 2(9) = 18
𝑎4 = 2(34−1) = 2(33) = 2(27) = 54
𝑎5 = 2(35−1) = 2(34) = 2(81) = 162

Therefore, the first five terms are 2, 6, 18, 54, and 162

Find an expression 𝑛th term of each sequence

for the
5

1.) 2, 4, 6, 8, …
2.) 10, 50, 250, 1250, …
Example

1.)
Solution:

2, 4, 6, 8, … 𝑎1 = 2 = 2(1)
𝑎2 = 4 = 2(2)
𝑎3 = 6 = 2(3)
𝑎4 = 8 = 2(4)

The pattern gives us the expression 𝒂𝒏 = 2𝑛.

2.)
10, 50, 250, 1250, … 𝑎1 = 10 = 2(5) = 2(51)
𝑎2 = 50 = 2(25) = 2(52)
𝑎3 = 250 = 2(125) = 2(53)
𝑎4 = 1250 = 2(625) = 2(54)

The pattern gives us the expression 𝒂𝒏 = 2(𝟓𝒏)

Recall that the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, ... are called natural numbers or

counting numbers. We will often use the letter 𝑛 to represent an arbitrary natural
number.

Self-Assessment Activity 2
[Link] the given 𝑛th-term formula to compute the first five terms of the sequence
1. 𝑎𝑛 = 5𝑛 2
− 3𝑛
2. 𝑎𝑛 =
𝑛

𝑛+1
[Link] the 𝑛th-term formula for the given sequence: 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, …

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 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics

In some cases we can use patterns to predict a formula, called an 𝒏th-term

1 nth-Term Formula for a Sequence

formula, that generates the terms of a sequence. The 𝑛th term is a formula
with 𝑛 in it which enables you find any term of a sequence without having
Definition

to go up from one term to the next.

The variable 𝒏 represents for the term number, so to find the 50th term we
would just
substitute 50 in the formula in place of 𝒏

Assume the pattern shown by the square tiles in the following figures
continues.
6

a. What is the nth-term formula for the number of tiles in the nth figure of
the sequence?
Example

b. How many tiles are in the eighth figure of the sequence?

c. Which figure will consist of exactly 320 tiles?

[Link] pg.18

a. Examine the figures for patterns. Note that the second figure has two
Solution:

tiles on each of the horizontal sections and one tile between the
horizontal sections. The third figure has three tiles on each horizontal
section and two tiles between the horizontal sections. The fourth figure
has four tiles on each horizontal section and three tiles between the
horizontal sections.

Thus the number of tiles in the nth figure is given by two groups of 𝑛 plus a
group of 𝑛 less one. That is,
𝒂𝒏 = 𝟐𝒏 + (𝒏 − 𝟏)
𝒂𝒏 = 𝟑𝒏 − 𝟏
[Link] number of tiles in the eighth figure of the sequence is 𝒂𝟖 = 𝟑(𝟖) − 𝟏 =
𝟐𝟑.
[Link] determine which figure in the sequence will have 320 tiles, we solve the
equation:
𝑎𝑛 =3𝑛 − 1 = 320.
3𝑛 − 1 = 320
3𝑛 = 321 * Add 1 to each side.
𝑛 = 107 * Divide each side by 3.
The 107th figure is composed of 320 tiles.
Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern 7
 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern
Module 6
World Section 1: The Nature of
Self-Assessment Activity 3
Determine the nth-term formula for the number of square tiles in the nth figure.

[Link] pg.24

2 Fibonacci Sequence

In a Fibonacci number sequence, the terms are found by adding the two
Definition

previous terms. The Fibonacci sequence is 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…. The

Fibonacci sequence is named after Leonardo Fibonacci, born in 1170 in
Pisa, Italy.

The Fibonacci numbers

are:
𝐹1 = 1, 𝐹2 = 1, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛−1 + 𝐹𝑛−2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛 ≥ 3.

7 Find a Fibonacci Number

Use the definition of Fibonacci numbers to find the seventh and eighth
Fibonacci numbers.
Example

Solution:

𝐹7 = 𝐹6 + 𝐹5 𝐹8 = 𝐹7 + 𝐹6
=8+5 = 13 + 8
= 13 = 21

The first six Fibonacci numbers are 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8. The seventh

Fibonacci number is the sum of the two previous Fibonacci numbers. Thus,
seventh and eight Fibonacci numbers are 13 and 21.

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 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern
Module 6
8 Determine whether each of the following statements about Fibonacci
World Section 1: The Nature of

numbers is true or false.

The first 10 terms of the Fibonacci sequence are 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34,
and 55.
Example

a. If 𝑛 is even, then 𝐹𝑛 is an odd number.

b. 2𝐹𝑛 − 𝐹𝑛−2 = 𝐹𝑛+1 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛 ≥ 3

a. FALSE
Solution:

Let us consider the following Fibonacci numbers with even 𝑛: 𝐹2 =

1; 𝐹4 = 3; and 𝐹6 = 8. This shows that the statement “If 𝑛 is even,
then 𝐹𝑛 is an odd number” is not true for all even 𝑛 since when 𝑛 =
6, 𝐹6 = 8 which is not an odd number.

b. TRUE
Experiment to see whether 2𝐹𝑛 − 𝐹𝑛−2 = 𝐹𝑛+1 for several
values of 𝑛. For instance, for 𝑛 = 7, we get

2𝐹𝑛 − 𝐹𝑛−2 =
𝐹𝑛+1
2𝐹7 − 𝐹7−2 =
𝐹7+1
2𝐹7 − 𝐹5 = 𝐹8
2(13) – (5) = 21
26 – 5 = 21
21 = 21

which is true. Evaluating 2𝐹𝑛 − 𝐹𝑛−2 for several additional values of n, n

≥ 3, we find that in each case 2𝐹𝑛 − 𝐹𝑛−2 = 𝐹𝑛+1 . Thus, by inductive

𝟐𝑭𝒏 − 𝑭𝒏−𝟐 = 𝑭𝒏+𝟏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒏 ≥ 𝟑 is a true statement. Note: This property of

reasoning, we conjecture

Fibonacci numbers can also be established using deductive reasoning.

Pick any Fibonacci number larger than 1. The equation2𝐹𝑛 − 𝐹𝑛−2 = 𝐹𝑛+1
states that for numbers in the Fibonacci sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, ... the
double of a Fibonacci number,
𝐹𝑛, less the Fibonacci number two to its left, is the Fibonacci number just to the
right of 𝐹𝑛.

Self-Assessment Activity 4
I. Determine whether each of the following statements about Fibonacci numbers
is true or false.

a. 2𝐹𝑛>𝐹𝑛+1for 𝑛 ≥ 3
b. 2𝐹𝑛 + 4 = 𝐹𝑛+3 for 𝑛 ≥ 3

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GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern
Module 6
World Section 1: The Nature of
Polygonal Numbers

The ancient Greek mathematicians were interested in the geometric shapes

associated with numbers. For instance, they noticed that triangles can be
constructed using 1, 3, 6, 10, or 15 dots, as shown in the figure below:

[Link] pg.23

They called the numbers 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ... the triangular numbers. The
Greeks called the numbers 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ... the square numbers and the

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 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern
Module 6
numbers 1, 5, 12, 22, 35, ... the pentagonal numbers.
World Section 1: The Nature of

3 Triangular Numbers
An 𝑛th-term formula for the triangular numbers is:
Definitio

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 =
𝒏(𝒏+𝟏)
𝒏 𝟐
n

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 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern
Module 6
The numbers in a sequence are referred to as terms. The terms of a
World Section 1: The Nature of

triangular sequence are related to the number of dots needed to create a triangle.
You would begin forming a triangle with three dots; one on top and two on
bottom. The next row would have three dots, making a total of six dots. The next
row in the triangle would have four dots, making a total of 10 dots. The following
row would have five dots, for a total of 15 dots. Therefore, a triangular sequence
begins: “1, 3, 6, 10, 15…”)

9
What is the 60th triangular number?
Exampl

𝑛 = 60
Solution:

Triangular =
𝑛(𝑛+1)
e

𝑛 2
Triangular =
60(60+1)
60
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝟔𝟎 = 1830
2

4 Square Numbers
An 𝑛th-term formula for the square numbers is:
Definitio

𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞𝒏 = (𝑛)2
n

In mathematics, a square number or perfect square is an integer that is the

square of an integer; in other words, it is the product of some integer with itself.
For example, 9 is a square number, since it can be written as 3 × 3.
The usual notation for the square of a number 𝑛 is not the product 𝑛 × 𝑛, but
the equivalent exponentiation 𝑛2, usually pronounced as "𝑛 squared". The name
square number comes from the name of the shape. The unit of area is defined as
the area of a unit square (1 × 1). Hence, a square with side length 𝑛 has area 𝑛2.
In other words, if a square number is represented by 𝑛 points, the points can be
arranged in rows as a square each side of which has the same number of points
as the square root of 𝑛; thus, square numbers are types of figurate numbers
(other examples being cube numbers and triangular numbers).
Square numbers are non-negative. Another way of saying that a (non-
negative) integer is a square number is that its square root is again an integer.
For example, √9 = 3, so 9 is a square number.
5 Pentagonal Numbers
An 𝑛th-term formula for the pentagonal numbers is:
Definitio

𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 =
𝒏(𝟑𝒏−𝟏)
𝒏 𝟐
n

The 𝑛th pentagonal as 𝑝𝑛

is defined algebraically =
𝑛(3𝑛−)
number 𝑝𝑛 2

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 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern
Module 6
for n≥1. It can also
World Section 1: The Nature of

be defined visually as the number of dots that can be arranged evenly in a

pentagon. The number
𝑝𝑛 counts the total number of dots in the 𝑛th figure.

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern 1

 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern
Module 6
World Section 1: The Nature of
Self-Assessment Activity 5
Use the nth term formula for polygonal numbers to find the following:
1. 95th term of triangular number
2. 64th term of square number
3. 47th term of pentagonal number

Summary

An ordered list of numbers is called a sequence. The numbers in a

sequence that are
separated by commas are the terms of the sequence and the three dots “...”
indicate that the sequence continues beyond the last written term.
Difference table shows the differences between successive terms of the
sequence.
Each of the numbers in the first row of the table is the difference between
the two closest numbers of the sequence. The differences in the first row are
called the first differences of the sequence. And if in case first differences are not
all the same it is often helpful to compute the successive differences of the first
differences. These differences of the first differences are called the second
differences. The differences of the second differences are called the third differences.
We used a difference table to predict the next term of a sequence. In some
cases we can use patterns to predict a formula, called an nth-term formula, that
generates the terms of a sequence.
Fibonacci sequencethe terms are found by adding the two previous terms.
𝐹1 = 1, 𝐹2 = 1, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛−1 + 𝐹𝑛−2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛 ≥ 3.
Triangular Numbersthe terms of a triangular sequence are related to the
number of dots needed to create a triangle.
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝒏 𝒏(𝒏+𝟏)
= 𝟐
Square Numbers is an integer that is the square of an integer, in other
words, it is the
product of some integer with itself
𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞𝒏 = (𝑛)2
Pentagonal Numbers can be defined visually as the number of dots that can
be arranged evenly in a pentagon.
𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝒏 𝒏(𝟑𝒏−𝟏)
= 𝟐

In this module, using the difference table and these formulas, you will be able to
predict the next term or the nth term of a sequence.

Responses To Consider
After working with this module, were you able to grasp the concept of
difference table and nth term formula?

The lessons on the terms of sequence, Fibonacci sequence and polygonal

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GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern
Module 6
numbers. Did you encounter problems using the formulas in finding the nth
World Section 1: The Nature of

term of a sequence?

As you go along this module, what lesson/s did you feel the most difficult for you? Try to list
them down and give time to consult your teacher for further discussion.

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Module 6
World Section 1: The Nature of

Aufmann, R., Lockwood, J., [Link], Mathematics in the Modern World, Rex
References

Bookstore, Inc., 2018.

Nocon, R., Nocon, E., Essential Mathematics for the Modern World, C & E
Gonzales, J.O. , [Link]. (2015). Essential Statistics. Manila: MaxCor Publishing House, Inc.

Publishing, Inc.
2018.

Definition and Examples of Sequences

Other Materials

([Link]) Fibonacci Sequence

([Link])
Formula for pentagonal numbers - Mathematics Stack Exchange
([Link]) Number Sequences - Maths GCSE Revision
([Link])
Problem Solving_ Find a Pattern (Grades 2-8) –TeacherVision
([Link]) Sequence and Series-Definition, Types,
Formulas and Examples ([Link])
Sequences ([Link])
Square number – Wikipedia ([Link])
The nth Term _ S-cool, the revision website (www.s-
[Link]) Triangular Number Sequence
([Link])
Types of Number Patterns in Math _ Sciencing ([Link])

Note To Students
Deadline of submission of Worksheet and Reflection Paper to the
Municipal Link:

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern 1

 GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern
Module 6
World Section 1: The Nature of

Note to the Municipal Link: WORKSHEET 6

1. The worksheet and reflection 1.3 Problem Solving with Patterns
should be forwarded to:
MARY
Student’s JANE B. CALPA
Information:
Chair, Department of To the Students:
Student Number: Last Name,
Mathematics College of Science, First 1. Fill
Name out the “Student’s Information”
M.I.: Course – Year:
University of Eastern completely.
Philippines
Class ID Number:Catarman, Northern 2. Name:
Professor/Instructor’s Write all your solutions/answers
Date of on the
Submission:
Samar space provided for each item.
[Link] thecheck
difference
the datetable, find the next two terms of the
3. Write legibly. Use blue- or black-ink ball pen
2. Please of
only.
following sequences: a.) 28, 33, 38, 43, , ,…
submission indicated on the
student’s information below. 4. Submit on or before the indicated deadline.

b.)1,7, 17, 31, 49, 71, , ,…

II. Find the first 5 terms of the sequences with the

following nth terms. a.) 10 – 𝑛

b.) 3𝑛

c.) 2𝑛 + 1

III. Find the nth term of the following

sequences: a.) 5, 10, 15, 20, …

b.) 22, 18, 14, 10, …

IV. Determine the nth term formula for the number of square tiles in the nth
figure.

[Link] pg.24

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GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern
Module 6
World Section 1: The Nature of

V. Determine whether each of the following statements about Fibonacci

numbers is true or false. a.) 𝐹𝑛+1 = 𝐹𝑛2 + 𝐹(𝑛−1)3 for every n ≥ 2

b.) 𝐹𝑛 = 2𝐹𝑛+1 for every n ≥ 2

VI. Use the 𝑛th term formula for polygonal numbers to find

the following: a.) 32nd term of triangular number

b.) 17th term of square number

c.) 44th term of pentagonal number

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern 1