Subtraction patterns are number sequences that decrease by the same amount each time. You look at how much is taken away from one number to get the next.
Always check the difference between each pair of numbers to find the subtraction pattern.
To identify a subtraction pattern, compare each number in the sequence with the one before it. The difference tells you how much is subtracted each time.
The subtraction amount can be small (like 5) or large (like 10,000). Always use place value to guide your work.
Here are some common subtraction patterns with different place values:
Look at the digit that changes each time. This shows which place value the subtraction pattern uses.
When part of a subtraction sequence is missing, find the subtraction rule and apply it step by step to complete the pattern.
Check your answer by subtracting again to see if each step follows the same pattern.
Understanding subtraction patterns helps you work with large numbers, recognize place value, and prepare for algebraic thinking in more advanced math.
Patterns in subtraction make problem solving faster and build number sense across place values.