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This applet investigates the method of differences to find the nth term of a cubic sequence - an³ + bn² + cn + d
Instructions below  ·  See also: Linear Sequences    Simple quadratic sequences    Harder quadratic sequences

This program is essentially a machine for finding the rule or formula for a cubic sequence which has:
nth term = an³ + bn² + cn + d
where n is the term or sequence number (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.).
A new problem is generated randomly by clicking the 'New Problem' button, and for each new problem you are trying to find the values of a, b, c and d, which are all integers.

If the box 'Increasing sequences only' is ticked then a is always positive. If not then a can be positive or negative (but never zero, as this would mean that the sequence is not cubic!)
Clicking the "Reset" button goes back to the beginning of the current sequence.


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