Understanding Number Sequences
A number sequence is an ordered list of numbers that follow a specific mathematical pattern or rule. Sequences are fundamental to mathematics and appear in various fields including finance (compound interest), computer science (algorithm analysis), and natural sciences (population growth, radioactive decay).
The three most important types of sequences are arithmetic sequences (where terms differ by a constant), geometric sequences (where terms have a constant ratio), and the Fibonacci sequence (where each term is the sum of the previous two). Understanding these patterns helps solve real-world problems and predict future values.