Generalising patterns using tenths or hundredths
You may have started looking at how to write rules to describe patterns with decimals and fractions. A general rule uses variables, which are letters used to represent unknown values.
Watch this video to learn more about how to write general rules to describe patterns.
Worked examples
Question 1
Complete the pattern by adding $0.3$0.3 each time.
$0.4$0.4 $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ If $b$b belongs to the same pattern, what is the next number?
Question 2
Consider the following pattern.
What is the pattern?
$6.3$6.3 $5.9$5.9 $5.5$5.5 $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ The numbers are decreasing by $4$4.
AThe numbers are decreasing by $0.4$0.4.
BThe numbers are decreasing by $40$40.
CThe numbers are decreasing by $0.04$0.04.
DNow complete the pattern.
$6.3$6.3 $5.9$5.9 $5.5$5.5 $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ If $b$b belongs to the same pattern, what is the number after $b$b in the pattern?
Question 3
Complete the pattern by subtracting $\frac{1}{10}$110 each time.
$\frac{6}{10}$610 $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ If $c$c belongs to the same pattern, what is the next number?