Patterns and sequences

1. PATTERNS

2. Patterns and sequences
We often need to spot a pattern in order to
predict what will happen next.
In maths, the correct name for a pattern of
numbers is called a SEQUENCE.
The first number in a SEQUENCE is sometimes
called the FIRST TERM; the second is the
SECOND TERM and so on.

3. Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot
what is happening before you can predict the
next number.
The first 2 or 3 numbers is rarely enough to
show the full pattern - 4 or 5 numbers are
best.

4. Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot
what is happening before you can predict the
next number.
1, 2, …… What’s the next number?

5. Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot
what is happening before you can predict the
next number.
1, 2, 4,… Who thought that the next
number was 3?
What comes next?

6. Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot
what is happening before you can predict the
next number.
1, 2, 4, 8, 16, …
What comes next?

7. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to
the next. See if that is what is happening
for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, …, …
+ 3

8. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to
the next. See if that is what is happening
for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, …, …
+ 3 + 3
X

9. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to
the next. See if that is what is happening
for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, …, …
+ 3 + 4

10. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to
the next. See if that is what is happening
for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, …, …
+ 3 + 4 + 5


11. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to
the next. See if that is what is happening
for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, …, …
+ 3 + 4 + 5 + 6


12. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to
the next. See if that is what is happening
for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, 30, …
+ 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7

13. Patterns and sequences
Now try these patterns:
3, 7, 11, 15, 19, …, …
128, 64, 32, 16, 8, …, …
1000, 100, 10, 1, …, …
5, 15, 45, 135, …, …