This test covers arithmetic and geometric sequences: identifying the type, writing explicit and recursive formulas, finding terms from tables, graphs and two known terms, and modeling. It has nine questions worth 20 points. Show your work and write formulas clearly. A calculator is allowed for arithmetic only.
- Grade: Algebra 1
- Chapter: Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
- Common Core: F-IF.A.3, F-BF.A.2, F-LE.A.2
- Time: 45 minutes
- Total: 20 points (Question 1: 2 pts; Question 2: 2 pts; Question 3: 2 pts; Question 4: 2 pts; Question 5: 3 pts; Question 6: 3 pts; Question 7: 2 pts; Question 8: 2 pts; Question 9: 2 pts)
Question 1: Identify the sequence (2 points)
Classify each sequence as arithmetic or geometric and give the next term.
- \(12,19,26,33\) (1 point)
- \(3,-6,12,-24\) (1 point)
Question 2: Arithmetic formula (2 points)
Consider the sequence \(9,5,1,-3\).
- Write an explicit formula for \(a_{n}\). (1 point)
- Find \(a_{12}\). (1 point)
Question 3: Geometric formula (2 points)
Consider the sequence \(7,14,28,56\).
- Write an explicit formula for \(a_{n}\). (1 point)
- Find \(a_{9}\). (1 point)
Question 4: Recursive formulas (2 points)
- Write a recursive formula for the sequence \(100,85,70,55\). (1 point)
- A sequence has \(a_{1}=2\) and \(a_{n}=5\cdot a_{n-1}\). Find \(a_{4}\). (1 point)
Question 5: Sequence from a table (3 points)
The table shows the first four terms of an arithmetic sequence.
- Find the common difference. (1 point)
- Write an explicit formula for \(a_{n}\). (1 point)
- Which term of the sequence equals 140? (1 point)
Question 6: Sequence from a graph (3 points)
The graph shows the first four terms of a geometric sequence.
- Find the common ratio. (1 point)
- Write an explicit formula for \(a_{n}\). (1 point)
- Find \(a_{7}\). (1 point)
Question 7: Arithmetic from two terms (2 points)
An arithmetic sequence has \(a_{4}=19\) and \(a_{9}=44\).
- Find the common difference. (1 point)
- Write an explicit formula for \(a_{n}\). (1 point)
Question 8: Geometric from two terms (2 points)
A geometric sequence has a positive common ratio, \(a_{2}=12\) and \(a_{4}=48\).
- Find the common ratio. (1 point)
- Find \(a_{6}\). (1 point)
Question 9: Growing plant (2 points)
Noah’s plant is 4 inches tall in week 1 and grows 1.5 inches each week. Let \(a_{n}\) be its height in week \(n\).
- Write an explicit formula and find the height in week 9. (1 point)
- In which week is the plant first taller than 30 inches? (1 point)
See every chapter on the Algebra 1 math page.



