IndianTechnoEra: Number Patterns

Number Patterns

Numbers can follow patterns just like shapes and objects. A number pattern follows a rule that tells us how the numbers change.

By finding the rule, we can continue the pattern and find missing numbers.

Learning Objectives

• Recognise simple number patterns.
• Use counting to continue number patterns.
• Identify how numbers change.
• Find the next number in a simple pattern.

Counting Number Patterns

Counting numbers in order creates a simple pattern.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ___

The numbers increase by 1 each time.

Answer: 6

Counting Forward by 2

Some patterns increase by 2 each time.

2, 4, 6, 8, ___

Each number is 2 more than the previous number.

Answer: 10

Counting Forward by 5

Numbers can also increase by 5.

5, 10, 15, 20, ___

The pattern increases by 5 each time.

Answer: 25

Counting Backwards

Number patterns can also become smaller.

10, 9, 8, 7, ___

Answer: 6

Here, the numbers decrease by 1 each time.

Finding the Rule

To understand a number pattern, compare one number with the next number.

3, 6, 9, 12, ___

Each number increases by 3.

Answer: 15

Finding a Missing Number

2, 4, ___, 8, 10

The pattern increases by 2.

Answer: 6

Common Mistakes

• Looking only at one pair of numbers.
• Changing the rule halfway through the pattern.
• Counting by the wrong amount.
• Guessing without checking the complete sequence.

Practice

1. Continue: 1, 2, 3, 4, ___.

2. Continue: 2, 4, 6, 8, ___.

3. Continue: 5, 10, 15, ___.

4. Continue: 10, 9, 8, ___.

5. Find the missing number: 3, 6, ___, 12.

Try It Yourself

Choose a starting number and make a simple pattern by counting forward or backward by the same amount.

Start → Find the Rule → Continue

Quick Revision

• Numbers can form patterns.
• A number pattern follows a rule.
• The numbers may increase or decrease.
• Finding the rule helps us continue the pattern.

What Comes Next?

Next, you will learn how shapes can also be arranged to make patterns.