Geometric sequences

Sample Geometric sequences questions

A few of the 36 questions, from easier to harder. Choose your exam board and tier to practise them, with every answer marked.

1. Question 11 markGrade 2
   A geometric progression starts: 4, 16, ... Work out the next term.
   Show the worked solution

   The common ratio is 16 ÷ 4 = 4.

   Next term = 16 × 4 = 64.
2. Question 22 marksGrade 4-5
   Here are the first 3 terms of a geometric sequence: 2, 6, 18, ... Work out the next term.
   Show the worked solution

   Multiply the last term by the common ratio: M1

   $18 \times 3 = 54$

What are the common mistakes in Geometric sequences?

When a pupil makes one of these on Revision Workshop, the marking engine names the mistake and explains it, instead of just marking the answer wrong.

• Adds the common ratio instead of multiplying by it in a geometric sequence

  Added 2 instead of multiplying by it - this is a geometric (multiplying), not arithmetic (adding), sequence

• Multiplies by the value under a surd ratio's root twice instead of once when applying sqrt(k)*sqrt(k)=k

  Multiplied by $2$ twice instead of once - $\sqrt{2} \times \sqrt{2} = 2$

Quick answers about Geometric sequences

How many Geometric sequences practice questions are there?

There are 36 self-marking GCSE Maths questions on Geometric sequences, written for AQA, Pearson, OCR across Foundation and Higher tier. Each one is marked instantly and has a full worked solution.

Do I need an account to practise Geometric sequences?

No. You can start practising Geometric sequences straight away without an account. A free account keeps your results across sessions, so you can see your progress on this topic over time.