Describe a pattern (add/sub)
If you saw a list of numbers like $7$7, $10$10, $13$13, $16$16, $19$19, you might notice that there is a pattern to the numbers. To get from each number to the next, you need to add $3$3. We say that the numbers are increasing by $3$3, or that you are adding $3$3 each time.
This is what we call a description of a pattern. Watch the video below to learn more about describing patterns!
Now that we've learnt how to describe a pattern, try some questions yourself!
Worked Examples
Example 1
Describe the number pattern below.
Which of the options below best describes the pattern?
$4$4 $6$6 $8$8 $10$10 $12$12 The numbers are decreasing by $3$3 units.
AThe numbers are decreasing by $2$2 units.
BThe numbers are increasing by $2$2 units.
CThe numbers are increasing by $1$1 units.
D
Example 2
Complete the pattern:
$12$12, $26$26, $40$40, $\editable{}$, $\editable{}$, $\editable{}$
What is the rule for finding the missing values?
Add $28$28.
AAdd $14$14.
BAdd $15$15.
CAdd $13$13.
D
Example 3
Write the next numbers in the pattern about the number of matches used to make the pattern.
$6$6, $\editable{}$, $\editable{}$, $\editable{}$, $\editable{}$, $\editable{}$
Which of the following best describes the pattern above?
The numbers are decreasing by $5$5.
AThe numbers are increasing by $4$4.
BThe numbers are increasing by $5$5.
CThe numbers are increasing by $3$3.
D