- identify whether the pattern is Repeating, Growing, or Shrinking
- Growing patterns (numbers are getting larger) - think addition and multiplication
- Shrinking patterns (numbers are getting smaller) - think subtraction and division
- try both operations (+ & x, or - & /) and see which operation would allow you to continue to get the same numbers in the pattern
- if you discover that there is a number and operation that is constant between terms, that will help you discover the pattern rule
- (e.g., 2, 5, 11, 23,... from 2 to 5 is 3, from 5 to 11 is 6, from 11 to 23 is 12... SO, from 3 to 6 and 6 to 12 is a doubling effect...
- so apply the x2 to the initial pattern
- 2 x 2 = 4 (Not 5! But add 1 to get 5)
- 5 x 2 = 10 (+1) is 11
- and so on
- Explaining number patterns in words is tricky
- don't forget "Start at..."
- ensure your wording makes sense and would give you the same numbers as the original pattern
- We've also been solving basic equations (an introduction to Algebra) and taking note of the difference between Equations and Expressions
Good luck! Check in with me for clarifications and support.
