What is a number pattern?
A number pattern is a set of numbers arranged by a rule. Some patterns grow by adding the same amount each time. Others shrink by subtracting. A few grow by doubling.
Key idea
To find the rule, look at how the numbers change from one to the next. Then use the same rule to work out the next numbers.
Worked example
Look at 5, 10, 15, 20, ___ Each number is 5 more than the one before, so the rule is "add 5". The next number is 20 + 5 = 25.
Growing and shrinking patterns
In 50, 45, 40, 35, ___ the numbers go down by 5 each time, so the next is 30. In 2, 4, 8, 16, ___ each number is doubled, so the next is 32.
Remember
- Check the change between every pair of numbers.
- The rule stays the same all through the pattern.
- Test your rule on the numbers you already have.