What is a number pattern?
A number pattern is a list of numbers that follow a rule. We look at how the numbers change from one to the next, then we say what number comes next. Sometimes the numbers go up, and sometimes they go down. When they go up, we count on. When they go down, we count back. The step is the same every time.
Key idea
Count on by 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Count on by 2: 2, 4, 6, 8. Count on by 5: 5, 10, 15. Count on by 10: 10, 20, 30.
Find the next number
First find the rule. Then add or take away that step to get the next number.
Worked example
Look at 2, 4, 6, 8, __ . Each time the number goes up by 2, so the rule is add 2. The last number is 8, so 8 + 2 = 10. The next number is 10.
Remember
- Going up means we add.
- Going down means we take away.
- The step is the same each time.
- Find the rule first, then use it.