Lesson 12: Number Patterns - Finding the Order!

For Grade 3 Students (Age 9) - Let's learn about number patterns together!

What We'll Learn Today:

Number patterns are ways that numbers are arranged in a special order. They have a secret rule! In this lesson, you will learn:

  • To identify what number patterns are.
  • To find the secret rule (or "rule") of a number pattern.
  • To guess what the next number in a pattern will be to continue the pattern.

What are Number Patterns? - Secret Rules!

A number pattern is a group of numbers that are arranged in an order by following a certain rule. You can find the rule to figure out the pattern!

Example 1: Addition Pattern

Look at this pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, ...

2 4 6 8 ...

The rule for this pattern is to always add 2. ($2+2=4$, $4+2=6$, $6+2=8$) So, the next number would be 10 ($8+2=10$).

Example 2: Subtraction Pattern

Look at this pattern: 15, 12, 9, 6, ...

15 12 9 6 ...

The rule for this pattern is to always subtract 3. ($15-3=12$, $12-3=9$, $9-3=6$) So, the next number would be 3 ($6-3=3$).

Activity 1: Find the Next Number!

Look at the pattern. What number comes next?

Activity 2: Identify the Rule!

What is the rule for this number pattern?

You are doing great!

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