Patterns and sequences

1
Patterns and sequences
We often need to spot a pattern in order to
predict what will happen next. In maths, the
correct name for a pattern of numbers is called a
SEQUENCE. The first number in a SEQUENCE is
sometimes called the FIRST TERM the second is
the SECOND TERM and so on.
2
Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot
what is happening before you can predict the next
number. The first 2 or 3 numbers is rarely
enough to show the full pattern - 4 or 5 numbers
are best.

3
Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot
what is happening before you can predict the next
number. 1, 2, Whats the next number?

4
Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot
what is happening before you can predict the next
number. 1, 2, 4, Who thought that the
next number was 3? What comes next?

5
Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot
what is happening before you can predict the next
number. 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, What comes next?

6
Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the
next. See if that is what is happening for every
TERM. 5, 8, 12, 17, 23, ,

3
7
Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the
next. See if that is what is happening for every
TERM. 5, 8, 12, 17, 23, ,

3
3 X
8
Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the
next. See if that is what is happening for every
TERM. 5, 8, 12, 17, 23, ,

3
4
9
Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the
next. See if that is what is happening for every
TERM. 5, 8, 12, 17, 23, ,

3
4
5 ?
10
Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the
next. See if that is what is happening for every
TERM. 5, 8, 12, 17, 23, ,

3
4
5
6 ?
11
Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the
next. See if that is what is happening for every
TERM. 5, 8, 12, 17, 23, 30,

3
4
5
6
7
12
Patterns and sequences
Now try these patterns 3, 7, 11, 15, 19,
, 128, 64, 32, 16, 8, , 1000,
100, 10, 1, , 5, 15, 45, 135, ,