Generalising patterns with decimals in tenths
You may have already looked at how to write rules to describe decimal patterns. Now we're going to build on those skills and look at how to write a general rule using variables. A variable is a letter that is used to represent an unknown value in a mathematical expression or formula.
Watch this video now to learn more about using variables to describe decimal patterns.
Worked examples
Question 1
Complete the pattern by adding $0.1$0.1 each time.
$0.1$0.1 $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ If $c$c belongs to the same pattern, what is the next number?
Question 2
Complete the pattern by subtracting $0.3$0.3 each time.
$5.4$5.4 $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ If $c$c belongs to the same pattern, what is the next number?
Question 3
Consider the following pattern.
What is the pattern?
$6.2$6.2 $12.2$12.2 $18.2$18.2 $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ The numbers are increasing by $6$6.
AThe numbers are increasing by $60$60.
BThe numbers are increasing by $0.6$0.6.
CThe numbers are increasing by $0.06$0.06.
DNow complete the pattern.
$6.2$6.2 $12.2$12.2 $18.2$18.2 $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ $\editable{}$ If $x$x belongs to the same pattern, what is the next number?