Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Number patterns
Find the rule in a number pattern and carry the pattern on.
A number pattern follows a rule. Find how one number becomes the next — the same jump added each time, or the same number multiplied, like doubling — and you can carry the pattern on for ever.
Look at the gaps
Write the jump between each pair of numbers. If every jump is the same, that jump is the rule.
Worked example
The pattern goes 4, 8, 12, 16. What comes next?
The jump from 4 to 8 is 4, and from 8 to 12 is 4 as well.
The same jump every time means the rule is add 4.
Try it together
Let us carry on the pattern 7, 14, 21, 28.
Find the jump first, then use it.
1.What is the jump from 7 to 14?
Have a go
Have a go on your own: 20, 25, 30, 35. What comes next?
Hint: Find the size of one jump before you go on.
Ready to practice?
Eight questions on what you have just read. Nothing is timed, and you can play as many times as you like.