DANEMATHICS
FREE CAPS MATHS RESOURCES
Grade 8 · Patterns
Pattern Rules: In Words and in Algebra
MEMORANDUM
Name: 
Class: 
Date: 
Mark
  / 20

Answer all questions. Show all your working — marks are awarded for method as well as the final answer. Teacher copy: accept any correct equivalent method.

  1. 1
    Describe in words the rule for 4, 9, 14, 19, …
    (2)
    Multiply the position number by 5, then subtract 1✓✓ (2)
  2. 2
    Determine the general rule (Tₙ) for 4, 9, 14, 19, …
    (2)
    d = 5, c = 4 − 5 = −1 → Tₙ = 5n − 1✓✓ (2)
  3. 3
    Determine the general rule for 7, 12, 17, 22, …
    (2)
    d = 5, c = 2 → Tₙ = 5n + 2✓✓ (2)
  4. 4
    Determine the general rule for 6, 11, 16, 21, …
    (2)
    d = 5, c = 1 → Tₙ = 5n + 1✓✓ (2)
  5. 5
    Determine the general rule for 30, 26, 22, 18, …
    (2)
    d = −4, c = 34 → Tₙ = −4n + 34✓✓ (2)
  6. 6
    For Tₙ = 4n + 3, find the 10th term.
    (2)
    4(10) + 3 = 43✓✓ (2)
  7. 7
    For Tₙ = 6n − 2, find the 25th term.
    (2)
    6(25) − 2 = 148✓✓ (2)
  8. 8
    Which term of 5, 9, 13, … equals 45?
    (2)
    Tₙ = 4n + 1; 4n + 1 = 45 → n = 11th term✓✓ (2)
  9. 9
    Is 100 a term of the pattern 3, 7, 11, …? Show your working.
    (2)
    Tₙ = 4n − 1; 4n − 1 = 100 → 4n = 101 → n = 25,25, not a whole number → No✓✓ (2)
  10. 10
    A pattern of matchsticks is 4, 7, 10, … Determine a rule for the number of sticks in shape n.
    (2)
    d = 3, c = 1 → Tₙ = 3n + 1✓✓ (2)
TOTAL: 20 marks
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