During Diwali, Meena lines up diyas in rows. The first row has 2 diyas, the second row has 4, the third row has 6, and the fourth row has 8. Do you see something special? Each row has 2 more diyas than the row before it!
This is called a number pattern. When numbers follow a rule and come one after another, we call them a sequence. Learning to spot the rule helps us figure out what number comes next.
What is a Number Pattern?
A number pattern is a list of numbers that follow a fixed rule. The rule tells us how to get from one number to the next.
Step 1: Look at the Numbers Carefully
Write down the numbers in the sequence. For example: 5, 10, 15, 20, ...
Step 2: Find the Difference
Subtract each number from the one that comes after it. 10 - 5 = 5, 15 - 10 = 5, 20 - 15 = 5. The difference is always 5.
Step 3: State the Rule
For 5, 10, 15, 20, ... the rule is "add 5". So the next number is 20 + 5 = 25.
Growing Patterns (Adding)
When we add the same number each time, the sequence grows bigger. Examples:
Add 2: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, ... Add 3: 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, ... Add 5: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, ...
Shrinking Patterns (Subtracting)
When we subtract the same number each time, the sequence gets smaller. Examples:
Subtract 2: 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, ... Subtract 5: 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, ...
How to Check Your Answer
After you find the rule, apply it to every pair of numbers in the sequence. If it works for all of them, your rule is correct.
Sequence: 2, 5, 8, 11, ?
Differences: 5 - 2 = 3, 8 - 5 = 3, 11 - 8 = 3. Rule: Add 3. Next number: 11 + 3 = 14.
Sequence: 50, 45, 40, 35, ?
Differences: 50 - 45 = 5, 45 - 40 = 5, 40 - 35 = 5. Rule: Subtract 5. Next number: 35 - 5 = 30.
Sequence: 3, 7, 11, 15, ?
Differences: 7 - 3 = 4, 11 - 7 = 4, 15 - 11 = 4. Rule: Add 4. Next number: 15 + 4 = 19.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pattern | A set of numbers or shapes that follow a fixed rule |
| Sequence | Numbers written in order following a rule |
| Rule | The operation (add or subtract) used to go from one number to the next |
| Growing pattern | A pattern where numbers get bigger (we add) |
| Shrinking pattern | A pattern where numbers get smaller (we subtract) |
| Difference | The result when we subtract one number from another |
Create Your Own Pattern: Choose a starting number and a rule (add or subtract any number from 2 to 10). Write your sequence below. Then ask your friend to find the rule!
My starting number: __________ My rule: __________________________
My sequence: __________, __________, __________, __________, __________, __________
Rangoli Pattern: Imagine you are making a rangoli with dots. Row 1 has 2 dots, Row 2 has 5 dots, Row 3 has 8 dots. How many dots will Row 4 and Row 5 have? Write the rule and the answer below.
Rule: __________________________ Row 4: __________ Row 5: __________
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During Diwali, Meena lines up diyas in rows. The first row has 2 diyas, the second row has 4, the third row has 6, and the fourth row has 8. Do you see something special? Each row has 2 more diyas than the row before it!
This is called a number pattern. When numbers follow a rule and come one after another, we call them a sequence. Learning to spot the rule helps us figure out what number comes next.
What is a Number Pattern?
A number pattern is a list of numbers that follow a fixed rule. The rule tells us how to get from one number to the next.
Step 1: Look at the Numbers Carefully
Write down the numbers in the sequence. For example: 5, 10, 15, 20, ...
Step 2: Find the Difference
Subtract each number from the one that comes after it. 10 - 5 = 5, 15 - 10 = 5, 20 - 15 = 5. The difference is always 5.
Think about it: If the difference is the same every time, the rule is "add that number" or "subtract that number."
Step 3: State the Rule
For 5, 10, 15, 20, ... the rule is "add 5". So the next number is 20 + 5 = 25.
Growing Patterns (Adding)
When we add the same number each time, the sequence grows bigger. Examples:
Add 2: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, ... Add 3: 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, ... Add 5: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, ...
Shrinking Patterns (Subtracting)
When we subtract the same number each time, the sequence gets smaller. Examples:
Subtract 2: 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, ... Subtract 5: 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, ...
Think about it: Aman has Rs 50 in his piggy bank. Every week he spends Rs 5. What will his money look like week by week? 50, 45, 40, 35, ... What is the rule?
How to Check Your Answer
After you find the rule, apply it to every pair of numbers in the sequence. If it works for all of them, your rule is correct.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pattern | A set of numbers or shapes that follow a fixed rule |
| Sequence | Numbers written in order following a rule |
| Rule | The operation (add or subtract) used to go from one number to the next |
| Growing pattern | A pattern where numbers get bigger (we add) |
| Shrinking pattern | A pattern where numbers get smaller (we subtract) |
| Difference | The result when we subtract one number from another |
Sequence: 2, 5, 8, 11, ?
Differences: 5 - 2 = 3, 8 - 5 = 3, 11 - 8 = 3. Rule: Add 3. Next number: 11 + 3 = 14.
Sequence: 50, 45, 40, 35, ?
Differences: 50 - 45 = 5, 45 - 40 = 5, 40 - 35 = 5. Rule: Subtract 5. Next number: 35 - 5 = 30.
Sequence: 3, 7, 11, 15, ?
Differences: 7 - 3 = 4, 11 - 7 = 4, 15 - 11 = 4. Rule: Add 4. Next number: 15 + 4 = 19.
A. Find the Rule and Complete the Sequence
B. Multiple Choice Questions
C. Fill in the Blanks
D. Short Answer
Create Your Own Pattern: Choose a starting number and a rule (add or subtract any number from 2 to 10). Write your sequence below. Then ask your friend to find the rule!
My starting number: __________ My rule: __________________________
My sequence: __________, __________, __________, __________, __________, __________
Rangoli Pattern: Imagine you are making a rangoli with dots. Row 1 has 2 dots, Row 2 has 5 dots, Row 3 has 8 dots. How many dots will Row 4 and Row 5 have? Write the rule and the answer below.
Rule: __________________________ Row 4: __________ Row 5: __________