Completing Patterns
Sometimes part of a pattern is missing. We can complete the pattern by finding its rule and deciding what should be there.
Learning Objectives
- Find missing parts of simple patterns.
- Use the pattern rule to find an answer.
- Complete number patterns.
- Complete shape and object patterns.
Completing a Number Pattern
1, 2, ___, 4, 5
The numbers increase by 1.
Answer: 3
Completing a Pattern That Increases by 2
2, 4, ___, 8, 10
The pattern increases by 2.
Answer: 6
Completing a Shape Pattern
● ▲ ● ___ ● ▲
The pattern repeats circle, triangle.
Answer: ▲
Completing an Object Pattern
🍎 🍌 🍎 ___ 🍎 🍌
The pattern repeats apple, banana.
Answer: 🍌
How to Complete a Pattern
- Look at the whole pattern.
- Find what changes or repeats.
- Identify the rule.
- Look at the position of the missing part.
- Choose what follows the rule.
More Than One Missing Part
A pattern can have more than one missing part.
2, ___, 6, ___, 10
The pattern increases by 2.
Answers: 4 and 8
Common Mistakes
- Looking at only one side of the missing part.
- Ignoring the rule of the pattern.
- Choosing an answer that does not fit the whole sequence.
- Changing the rule while completing the pattern.
Practice
1. 1, 2, ___, 4, 5
2. 2, 4, ___, 8, 10
3. ● ▲ ● ___ ● ▲
4. ■ ● ■ ___ ■ ●
5. 5, 10, ___, 20, 25
Try It Yourself
Create a pattern and leave one part empty. Then use the rule to find the missing part.
Pattern → Rule → Missing Part
Quick Revision
- Look at the complete pattern.
- Find the rule.
- Use the rule to find the missing part.
- Check that the answer fits the whole pattern.
What Comes Next?
Now that you can recognise and complete patterns, you are ready to create your own patterns.