Number patterns: word problems

Learning Objectives Identify the pattern in a sequence of numbers presented in a word problem. Determine the rule (e.g., 'add 5,' 'subtract 10,' 'multiply by 2') of a given number pattern. Extend a number pattern to find the next few terms. Use a pattern to find a missing term within a sequence. Create a T-chart or table to organize information from a word problem. Solve multi-step word problems involving number patterns. Have you ever saved up your allowance and watched the total grow each week? 💰 That's a real-life number pattern! In this lesson, you will become a number detective! We will learn how to find secret patterns hidden inside word problems. Understanding these patterns helps us solve problems and predict what will happen next...

TermDefinitionExample PatternA set of numbers or objects that follow a specific, repeating rule.The numbers 2, 4, 6, 8... follow a pattern. The rule is 'add 2'. SequenceAn ordered list of numbers that make up a pattern.The list 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 is a sequence. TermEach individual number in a sequence.In the sequence 5, 10, 15, 20, the number 15 is the third term. RuleThe operation (like adding, subtracting, or multiplying) that describes how to get from one term to the next.In the sequence 40, 30, 20, 10, the rule is 'subtract 10'. Increasing PatternA pattern where the value of the terms gets bigger. The rule is usually addition or multiplication.1, 3, 9, 27... is an increasing pattern with the rule 'multiply by 3'. Decreasing PatternA pattern where the value...

Additive Pattern Rule Next Term = Current Term + d Use this when you see numbers increasing by the same amount each time. The letter 'd' stands for the 'common difference' you add. Subtractive Pattern Rule Next Term = Current Term - d Use this when you see numbers decreasing by the same amount each time. The letter 'd' is the 'common difference' you subtract. Multiplicative Pattern Rule Next Term = Current Term * r Use this for patterns that grow very quickly by multiplying. The letter 'r' stands for the 'common ratio' you multiply by.