Finding the Pattern in Quadratic Sequences
When you're faced with a sequence like 4, 7, 12, 19, 28, the key is to look for patterns in the differences between consecutive terms. Start by finding the first difference - simply subtract each term from the next one.
For our example sequence, the first differences are 3, 5, 7, 9. Notice these aren't the same, which tells you this isn't a linear sequence. Now find the second differences by subtracting consecutive first differences: you'll get 2, 2, 2, 2.
When the second differences are constant, you've found a quadratic sequence. The constant second difference (in this case, 2) directly relates to the coefficient in your nth term formula - it equals 2a where the formula starts with an².
Quick Check: If your second differences are all the same number, you're definitely dealing with a quadratic sequence!
The beauty of this method is that it works every single time. Once you spot that constant second difference, you're halfway to cracking the code of the entire sequence.