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Patterns: Number patterns

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Intros
Lessons
  1. Introduction to Number Patterns:
    How to describe and predict the pattern in a number sequence
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Examples
Lessons
  1. Next Number in the Pattern
    Write the next two numbers in the pattern. Then, describe the pattern with an expression.
    1. 1, 4, 7, 10, ___, ___
    2. 3, 6, 12, 24, ___, ___
    3. 30, 25, 20, 15, ___, ___
    4. 128, 64, 32, 16, ___, ___
  2. Fill in the Blanks for the Number Pattern
    Fill in the blanks for the pattern. Then, describe the pattern with an expression.
    1. 60, 50, ___, 30, 20, ___
    2. ___, 11, 17, 23, ___, 35
    3. 1, 13 \frac{1}{3}, ___,127 \frac{1}{27} , ___
    4. 2, 10, ___, 250, 1250, _____
  3. Special Number Patterns
    Write the next 4 numbers in the special pattern below. Look at how much each term is increased by to find the rule.
    1. 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, __, __, __, __
    2. 1, 1, 2, 4, 7, __, __, __, __
  4. Number Patterns - Word Problem
    Natalie is doing swimming training so that she can hold her breath underwater longer. On the first day, she is only able to hold her breath for 30 seconds. On the second day, she can do it for 45 seconds. On the third day, she can do it for 60 seconds.
    1. If this pattern in her progress continues, how many seconds will she be able to hold her breath for by the 7th day?
    2. Describe the pattern with a sentence expression
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Practice
Topic Notes
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In this lesson, we will learn:

  • How to find the rule for a number sequence and write an expression for it
  • How to predict the next term in a number sequence

Notes:

  • Number patterns can also be called number sequences
    • A number sequence is a list of numbers (or terms) in order
    • The order of number is decided by a mathematical rule
    • The same operation (+, –, ×, ÷) is used between each term.

  • An expression can be written for any number pattern/sequence
    • The expression states what the first number in the list is, and what the rule is
      • “start at _[#]_ and _[operation]_by_[#]_ each time.”
    • For example,
Representing Numbers: Tally Marks

    • The rule is to add 3 and the expression is to “start at 1 and add by 3 each time”
  • If a rule for a number pattern/sequence is known, you can predict the next terms
    • Using the previous example,

Representing Numbers: Tally Marks

    • The next two terms in the sequence are 13 and 16
  • Always find the rule by using two consecutive numbers (right next to each other) in the sequence
    • For example,

Representing Numbers: Tally Marks

    • The rule is to add 4, therefore the entire sequence should be completed as: 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26