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Recurrence Relations (Edexcel A Level Maths): Revision Note

Exam code: 9MA0

Roger B

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Roger B

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Edexcel Maths: PureOCR Maths A: PureAQA Maths: Pure

Recurrence relations

What is a recurrence relation?

  • A recurrence relation describes each term in a sequence as a function of the previous term – ie un+1 = f(un)

  • Along with the first term of the sequence, this allows you to generate the sequence term by term

 

Recur Rel Illustr 1, A Level & AS Level Pure Maths Revision Notes

 

  • Both arithmetic sequences and geometric sequences can be defined using recurrence relations

    • Arithmetic can be defined by u subscript n plus 1 end subscript equals u subscript n plus d comma space u subscript 1 equals a

    • Geometric can be defined by u subscript n plus 1 end subscript equals u subscript n cross times r comma space u subscript 1 equals a

Recur Rel Illustr 2, A Level & AS Level Pure Maths Revision Notes

 

  • However, you can also define sequences that are neither arithmetic nor geometric

 

Recur Rel Illustr 3, A Level & AS Level Pure Maths Revision Notes

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • For arithmetic or geometric sequences defined by recurrence relations, you can sum the terms using the arithmetic series and geometric series formulae.

  • To sum up the terms of other sequences, you may have to think about the series and find a clever trick.

Worked Example

Recur Rel Example, A Level & AS Level Pure Maths Revision Notes

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    Roger B

    Author: Roger B

    Expertise: Maths Content Creator

    Roger's teaching experience stretches all the way back to 1992, and in that time he has taught students at all levels between Year 7 and university undergraduate. Having conducted and published postgraduate research into the mathematical theory behind quantum computing, he is more than confident in dealing with mathematics at any level the exam boards might throw at you.