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MathMentor

Learn with Mentor · 7 min

Number Sequences: Word Problems

Recognise whether a real-world situation is an arithmetic (adding) or geometric (multiplying) sequence, then apply the correct formula.

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Adding or multiplying?

Real-world sequences either add the same amount each time (arithmetic — like weekly savings) or multiply by the same ratio each time (geometric — like a growing population). Spotting which one is happening decides which formula to use.