IB Math AA SL 1.2 - Arithmetic Sequences

This IB Math AA SL 1.2 – Arithmetic Sequences slide deck introduces students to sequence structure and pattern recognition, establishing the conceptual groundwork needed to analyze terms within ordered numerical lists. Beginning with the definition of a sequence and terminology such as terms, first term, and common difference, the lesson equips learners with the language and notation necessary for working confidently with arithmetic patterns.

Building from definition to formula, the deck guides students through identifying whether a sequence follows an arithmetic pattern, determining the nth term using explicit formulas, and extracting or solving for unknown sequence components using system-of-equations techniques, a key skill emphasized in IB assessments. Learners are shown how a system can be formed using given terms to derive both the first term and the common difference, developing a procedural method that supports accuracy and mathematical reasoning.

A central focus of the lesson is understanding summation notation (Σ) and applying the arithmetic series formulas to calculate the sum of n terms. The presentation includes a proof using paired sums to justify why the series formula works, helping students appreciate the mathematical logic beneath the procedures rather than memorizing formulas in isolation.

Real-world application is introduced through simple interest, where arithmetic growth is modeled in financial contexts such as bank accounts that earn non-compounding interest. Students practice applying formulas directly to contextualized problems, bridging abstract algebra and everyday numeracy. Worked solutions and step-by-step guided examples provide scaffolded support aligned with IB exam structure.

With its combination of conceptual clarity, procedural guidance, and practical problem sets, this slide deck is ideal for classroom instruction, revision, or tutoring. It prepares SL students to manipulate formulas, justify results, and confidently tackle arithmetic sequence and series questions in IB Mathematics.