Continue number patterns

What you will learn

• Continue number patterns

Models used: number sentences, stories, diagrams.

Before you start

• Compare and order numbers to 100

Find the repeated change

Look at 20, 25, 30. What changes each time?

1. Start at the marked number. A jump to the right adds; a jump to the left takes away. Read the size of each jump.

   Look at 20, 25, 30. What changes each time?

2. Start at the marked number. A jump to the right adds; a jump to the left takes away. Read the size of each jump.

   20 to 25 is a jump of 5. The next jump is also 5.

3. Start at the marked number. A jump to the right adds; a jump to the left takes away. Read the size of each jump.

   Repeat the same jump. The next number is 35.

   30 + 5 = 35

Worked example: A new example, together

Continue the sequence: 23, 25, 27, 29, …

1. Check each jump before making the next one.

   A constant-step pattern repeats the same change between neighbours.

   23252729?

2. Compare neighbours: 25 − 23 = 2.

   23252729?

   Continue the sequence: 23, 25, 27, 29, …

   31

3. Check the same change at the next pairs.

   23252729?

4. 29 + 2 = 31.

   23252729?

5. Check the result against the question we started with.

   31 − 29 = 2.

   We found 31. A constant-step pattern repeats the same change between neighbours.

   23252729?

Common mistakes to discuss

• Testing one gap only. A rule must fit every neighbouring pair. 2, 4, 8 could add 2 then 4, or double; check a third term before deciding.

Check your understanding

• Continue number patterns
• continue a number pattern
• check the answer against the original quantities and units

Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.