GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World

Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics
1.3 Problem Solving and Reasoning
Problem Solving with Patterns
Overview

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 Philippines 116

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.

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines 117

GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics
1 Construct a difference table to predict the next term of the sequence.
5, 14, 27, 44, 65, ...
Example

Solution
The next term of the
sequence is 90.

[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, ...
Example

Solution

[Link] pg.17

The next term of the sequence is 332

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines 118

GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics
The third differences, shown in blue in row (3), are all the same constant, 6. 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 = 5
𝑎2 = 3(2) + 2 = 8
𝑎3 = 3(3) + 2 = 11
𝑎4 = 3(4) + 2 = 14
𝑎5 = 3(5) + 2 = 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

4
Write the first five terms of a 𝒂𝒏 = 2(𝟑𝒏−𝟏 )
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

5 Find an expression for the 𝑛th term of each sequence

1.) 2, 4, 6, 8, …
Example

2.) 10, 50, 250, 1250, …

Solution:
1.)
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
A. Use the given 𝑛th-term formula to compute the first five terms of the sequence
1. 𝑎𝑛 = 5𝑛2 − 3𝑛
𝑛
2. 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛+1
B. Determine the 𝑛th-term formula for the given sequence: 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, …

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines 120

𝑎𝑛 = 3𝑛 + 2 B.
𝟐 𝟑 𝟒 𝟓 𝟔
A. 1.) 2, 14, 36, 68, 110; 2.) , , , ,
𝟏 𝟐 𝟑 𝟒 𝟓
Answers to SAA 2
GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics
1 nth-Term Formula for a Sequence
In some cases we can use patterns to predict a formula, called an 𝒏th-term formula, that
Definition

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 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

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

Solution:
a. Examine the figures for patterns. Note that the second figure has two 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
b. The number of tiles in the eighth figure of the sequence is 𝒂𝟖 = 𝟑(𝟖) − 𝟏 = 𝟐𝟑.
c. To 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 Philippines 121

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

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
Definition

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

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛2 + (𝑛 − 1)

122
Answers to SAA 3
GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics
8 Determine whether each of the following statements about Fibonacci 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
Solution:
a. FALSE
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 reasoning, we conjecture
𝟐𝑭𝒏 − 𝑭𝒏−𝟐 = 𝑭𝒏+𝟏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒏 ≥ 𝟑 is a true statement. Note: This property of 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+1 for 𝑛 ≥ 3

b. 2𝐹𝑛 + 4 = 𝐹𝑛+3 for 𝑛 ≥ 3

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines 123

1. true; 2. false
Answers to SAA 4
GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics

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
[Link] pg.17
numbers 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ... the square numbers and the numbers 1, 5, 12, 22, 35, ... the pentagonal
numbers.

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

𝒏(𝒏+𝟏)
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝒏 = 𝟐

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines 124

GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics
The numbers in a sequence are referred to as terms. The terms of a 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?
Example

Solution:
𝑛 = 60
𝑛(𝑛+1)
Triangular𝑛 = 2
60(60+1)
Triangular60 =
2
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝟔𝟎 = 1830

4 Square Numbers
Definition

An 𝑛th-term formula for the square numbers is:

𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞𝒏 = (𝑛)2

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:
Definition

𝒏(𝟑𝒏−𝟏)
𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝒏 = 𝟐

𝑛(3𝑛−)
The 𝑛th pentagonal number 𝑝𝑛 is defined algebraically as 𝑝𝑛 = 2 for n≥1. It can also
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 Philippines 125

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

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.
𝒏(𝒏+𝟏)
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝒏 = 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.
𝒏(𝟑𝒏−𝟏)
𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝒏 = 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 numbers. Did you
encounter problems using the formulas in finding the nth 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.

Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines 126

1. 4560; 2. 4096; 3. 3290

Answers to SAA 5
GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics

References
Aufmann, R., Lockwood, J., [Link], Mathematics in the Modern World, Rex Bookstore, Inc.,
2018.
Gonzales, J.O. , [Link]. (2015). Essential Statistics. Manila: MaxCor Publishing House, Inc.
Nocon, R., Nocon, E., Essential Mathematics for the Modern World, C & E Publishing, Inc.
2018.

Other Materials
Definition and Examples of Sequences ([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 ([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 Philippines 127

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

Note to the Municipal Link: WORKSHEET 6

1. The worksheet and reflection should
be forwarded to: 1.3 Problem Solving with Patterns
MARY JANE B. CALPA
Chair, Department of Mathematics To the Students:
College of Science, 1. Fill out the “Student’s Information” completely.
University of Eastern Philippines 2. Write all your solutions/answers on the space
Catarman, Northern Samar provided for each item.
3. Write legibly. Use blue- or black-ink ball pen only.
2. Please check the date of submission 4. Submit on or before the indicated deadline.
indicated on the student’s information
below. 5. For queries, please contact your respective GE 1
Thank you. instructor/professor.

Student’s Information:
Student Number: Last Name, First Name M.I.: Course – Year:

Class ID Number: Professor/Instructor’s Name: Date of Submission:

I. Using the difference table, find the next two terms of the following sequences:

a.) 28, 33, 38, 43, ____, ____, …

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
Department of Mathematics, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines 128
GE 1 – Mathematics in the Modern World
Module 6
Author: Meriam Grace A. Capawing Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics

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 Philippines 129