Describe Linear Number Sequences

Look at this number sequence:

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, ...

The sequence starts at 12 and the rule is to add 2 to the previous term.

The 1st term is 12

The 2nd term is 14

The 3rd term is 16

The 4th term is 18

The 5th term is 20

Example

Look at this sequence:

12, 19, 26, 33, 40, ...

What is the starting number and what is the rule?

Answer

The 1st term is 12 so that is the starting number.

19 - 12 = 7

26 - 19 = 7

33 - 26 = 7

40 - 33 = 7

So the rule is to add 7

Let's have a go at the questions.