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C.1 Find the missing number in the pattern

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What are number patterns?

Number patterns are sequences of numbers that follow a specific rule. The rule tells us how to get from one number to the next.

Examples:
  • 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, … (rule: add 2 each time)
  • 100, 200, 300, 400, … (rule: add 100 each time)
  • 50, 45, 40, 35, … (rule: subtract 5 each time)
Note

Every pattern has a rule. Look carefully at how the numbers change from one step to the next.

How to identify number patterns

To identify a number pattern, look at the difference or relationship between numbers. Ask yourself: are the numbers increasing, decreasing, or repeating in some way?

Steps:
  • Check how much is added or subtracted: 5, 10, 15, 20 → add 5.
  • Look for repeated groups: 2, 4, 6, 2, 4, 6 → repeats every three numbers.
  • See if the numbers skip by tens or hundreds: 0, 100, 200, 300.
Note

Writing the numbers in order and circling the changes can help you find the rule more easily.

Common types of number patterns

Number patterns can be made by adding, subtracting, or repeating in a certain way. Some patterns use place value to skip by tens or hundreds.

Examples:
  • Addition pattern: 3, 6, 9, 12, … (add 3 each time)
  • Subtraction pattern: 200, 190, 180, 170, … (subtract 10 each time)
  • Skip counting: 0, 10, 20, 30, … (counting by tens)
  • Repeating pattern: 5, 7, 5, 7, 5, … (repeats in a cycle)
Note

Skip counting patterns help when learning multiplication and place value. For example, counting by 2s, 5s, or 10s connects to multiplication facts.

Using number patterns

Number patterns are useful for predicting the next number, solving problems, and recognizing relationships in math.

Examples in sentences:
  • The pattern is 0, 5, 10, 15, … The next number is 20.
  • The pattern is 800, 700, 600, … The next number is 500.
  • The pattern is 2, 4, 8, 16, … The rule is multiplying by 2 each time.
Note

If you know the rule, you can extend the pattern forward or backward to find missing numbers.

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