Number patterns: mixed review

key notes :

Definition of Number Patterns:

  • A number pattern is a sequence of numbers that follow a specific rule or set of rules.
  • Patterns can involve addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or combinations of these operations.

Types of Number Patterns:

  • Arithmetic Patterns: Numbers increase or decrease by the same value (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8; rule: add 2).
  • Geometric Patterns: Numbers are multiplied or divided by the same factor (e.g., 3, 6, 12, 24; rule: multiply by 2).
  • Repeating Patterns: A sequence of numbers that repeats in a fixed order (e.g., 1, 2, 1, 2).
  • Mixed Operations: Patterns involving more than one operation (e.g., 2, 4, 8, 16; rule: multiply by 2, then add 0).

Identifying the Rule:

  • Find the difference or ratio between consecutive numbers.
  • Look for operations applied consistently across the sequence.
  • Check if the pattern alternates or repeats.

Extending Patterns:

  • Use the identified rule to find the next numbers in the sequence.
  • Confirm the pattern is consistent before continuing.

Creating Patterns:

  • Start with a base number and apply a rule (e.g., add 3 each time).
  • Challenge students to create their own patterns for others to solve.

Learn with an example

🔮 Type the missing numbers in this sequence:

___, 27,____, 21, 18, 15

First, look for a pattern. Notice how each number is 3 less than the previous number:

  • ____, 27, ____, 21, 18, 15

To make the pattern complete, the numbers 30 and 24 must go in the blank spaces.

🔮 Which numbers are missing from this sequence?

____, 94, 85, 76, 67,____

  • 103, 58
  • 103, 64
  • 66, 103
  • 58, 103

First, look for a pattern. Notice how each number is 9 less than the previous number:

  • ___, 94, 85, 76, 67,____

To make the pattern complete, the numbers 103 and 58 must go in the blank spaces.

🔮 Type the next number in this sequence:

7, 9, 13, 19, 27, 37, 49,____

  • Find the pattern. Look at how much you add to each number to get the next number:
7,9,13,19,27,37,49,?
 ➡️ ➡️➡️➡️ ➡️ ➡️➡️ ➡️
  + 2+ 4 + 6+ 8 + 10+ 12 
  • The amount you add increases by 2 each time. You should add 14 the next time. Add 14 to 49 to find the next number:
7,9,13,19,27,37,49,63
 ➡️ ➡️➡️➡️ ➡️ ➡️➡️ ➡️
  + 2+ 4 + 6+ 8 + 10+ 12 + 14
  • The next number is 63.

Let’s practice!🖊️