Formulas and Recursion Spreadsheet Instructions

Use the formula sheet first. Choose any formula (‘multiply first then add or subtract’) and look at the pattern.

Then use the recursion sheet and try to choose the correct start number and recursion rule to produce exactly the same pattern. Students can click from one to the other to compare the tables.

The graphs also help visualise the effect of the formula and the recursion rules.

Extension: Some students will be able to use this relationship backwards; they can create a pattern using a start number and a recursion rule, and therefore discover the formula.