Number Patterns
Ages 7–11Difficulty adapts to you
Number Patterns
A sequence is an ordered list of numbers. To continue it, find a rule that works between every pair of neighbouring terms, not only the first pair.
Your goals
- ✓You can spot and continue number sequences.
- ✓You can use sequence, term correctly.
- ✓You can test your rule on every pair of neighbouring terms.
Words to know
- sequence:
- A list arranged according to a rule.
- term:
- One number or item in a sequence.
Examples
- 12, 4, 6, 8, ... follows “add 2”, so the next term is 10.
- 21, 3, 9, 27, ... follows “multiply by 3”, so the next term is 81.
Check these
- • Do not use a rule that works only once.
- • Keep every number, symbol, label, and unit in its correct place.
- • Show enough working to check how you reached your answer.
Helpful habits
- • Read the whole question before choosing what to do.
- • Show one clear step at a time and check each step.
- • If you are stuck, draw a model, try smaller numbers, or revisit the example.
Now try your own
Create your own number patterns example, solve it, and explain how you checked it.
Professor Wise Owl
Wisdom & Understanding“Take your time — wisdom comes from understanding, not rushing!”