What is a number pattern?
A number pattern (or sequence) is a list of numbers that follow a rule. The rule tells us how to get from one number to the next — for example, adding, subtracting or multiplying by the same amount each time.
Finding the rule
Look at how each number changes. Is the pattern going up or down? By how much each time? If the numbers grow quickly, the rule may be to multiply. If they change by the same small amount, the rule is usually to add or subtract that amount.
Key idea
Find the difference between two numbers next to each other. Use the same rule to continue the pattern.
Worked example
Look at 4, 8, 12, 16, ___. Each number is 4 more than the one before (8 − 4 = 4). So the next number is 16 + 4 = 20.
Remember
- A pattern follows one rule.
- Rules can be add, subtract or multiply.
- Check your rule on every pair of numbers.