Is it important that our kids learn to recognize patterns and sequences in math? The answer is a resounding yes.
Exploring patterns and learning about math sequences help young students build important foundations for later number work. Simply put, with the early work on recognizing patterns, students gain an understanding of mathematical relationships, which is the basis for understanding algebra, analyzing data and solving complex mathematical problems.
Here are the most common patterns:
Arithmetic sequences
An arithmetic sequence adds or subtracts the same value each time.
For example:
1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21…
This sequence has a difference of 4 numbers between each number. The pattern continues by adding 4 to the last number each time.
The same goes for subtraction.
For example:
18, 15, 12, 9, 6, 3, 0
The sequence has a difference of -3 between each number. The pattern continues by subtracting 3 each time.
Geometric sequences
A geometric sequence multiplies the same value each time.
For example:
1, 3, 9, 27, 81…
This sequence has a difference of x3 between each number. The pattern continues by multiplying 3 each time.
Square numbers
A square number is the square of whole numbers:
0, 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36…
0 = 0 x 0
1 = 1 x 1
4 = 2 x 2
9 = 3 x 3
16 = 4 x 4
25 = 5 x 5
And so on…
Cube numbers
A cube number is the cube of whole numbers:
1, 8, 27, 64, 125, 216…
1 = 1 x 1 x 1
8 = 2 x 2 x 2
27 = 3 x 3 x 3
64 = 4 x 4 x 4
125 = 5 x 5 x 5
And so on…
We offer free worksheets on number patterns for grade 1 students if you need some practice.
