How to teach number patterns
Grade 2 to Grade 6
A number pattern is a sequence that follows a rule, such as adding 3 each time or doubling. The skill is to study the numbers, work out the rule, then use it to continue the sequence or find a missing term. It develops algebraic thinking, since a rule is the seed of a formula.
How to teach it
- Look at the gaps between terms first: find the difference from one number to the next.
- Test whether that step is constant (add or subtract the same amount) or whether it grows, hinting at multiplying.
- State the rule in words (start at 4, add 5 each time), then use it to extend the sequence.
- Work backwards to fill a gap in the middle, using the rule in reverse.
- Move to patterns that multiply or combine steps once constant-difference ones are secure.
Worked example
Sequence: 4, 7, 10, 13, ? differences: +3, +3, +3 rule: add 3 each time next: 13 + 3 = 16
Common mistakes
- Guessing the next number without checking the rule holds for every gap.
- Assuming the pattern always adds when it might multiply or alternate.
- Working out the rule but misapplying it to extend the sequence.
- Reading a decreasing pattern as increasing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a number pattern?
A number pattern is a sequence that follows a rule, such as adding 3 each time or doubling. The skill is to study the numbers, work out the rule, then use it to continue the sequence or find a missing term. It develops algebraic thinking.
What age or grade are number patterns taught?
Number patterns are usually taught from Grade 2 to Grade 6. Younger students find the constant step in simple sequences, while older ones handle patterns that multiply or combine steps, and describe the rule in words as a bridge to algebra.
How do you find the rule of a number pattern?
Look at the gaps between terms first, finding the difference from one number to the next. Test whether that step is constant, such as adding 3 each time, or whether it grows, hinting at multiplying. State the rule in words, then use it to extend the sequence.
How do number patterns lead to algebra?
Because a rule is the seed of a formula. Stating a pattern's rule, such as 'start at 4 and add 5 each time', is a way of generalising, which is exactly what algebra does. So finding and describing number-pattern rules develops early algebraic thinking.
How do you find a missing term in the middle of a pattern?
Work out the rule from the terms you have, then apply it in reverse to fill the gap. If the pattern adds 3 each time, you can count back 3 from the term after the gap to find the missing one. Using the rule both forwards and backwards is the key.
Why does my child get number patterns wrong?
Common errors are guessing the next number without checking the rule holds for every gap, assuming a pattern always adds when it might multiply or alternate, misapplying a correct rule when extending, and reading a decreasing pattern as increasing. Checking the step across every pair helps.
What comes after simple number patterns?
Once constant-difference patterns are secure, students move to patterns that multiply or combine steps, and then towards writing rules with letters, which is early algebra. Number patterns, skip counting and algebra are closely linked, so this work feeds directly into later maths.
Practise with free worksheets
Printable worksheets with answer keys that are never wrong.