Quadratic Sequences by pattern spotting

Using the powerpoint to teach my top set in year 8 quadratic sequence formula. I have used it with middle ability KS4 group as well. It builds nicely onto the work I have been doing on linear sequences. Students are told by the teacher the second difference being a constant means that the sequence is quadratic. They are then told to trust the teacher that having this number gives the first part of the sequence of an^2 + bn +c. I…e. the value of a. Using this they build a table up to find the missing values and using knowledge on linear sequences find the remainder of the sequence. They are then given the accompanying worksheet to practice this skill. Or you could use a similar exercise in a textbook.