Theme park maths quest: patterns

Quick answer

Patterns are repeating or growing sequences that help us predict what comes next. In a theme park, you can find patterns in ticket prices, ride schedules, queue lengths, and even the layout of rides. By spotting these patterns, you can solve problems, make predictions, and understand how things work.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to find and continue repeating and growing patterns in real-life situations like theme parks, and explain what the pattern shows about how things change or repeat.

• I can spot a repeating pattern in a sequence of numbers or objects
• I can predict what comes next in a pattern
• I can create my own repeating or growing pattern
• I can explain how a pattern might help in a real situation like planning a day at the theme park

Why this matters

Patterns help us understand how things work in the world around us. In a theme park, patterns can help you plan your day, know when rides open, or even figure out how many tickets you need. Patterns are used in music, art, science, and even cooking. Learning to spot and continue patterns is a superpower that helps you think logically and solve problems!

How it works

Patterns are sequences that repeat or grow in a specific way. There are two main types:

1. Repeating patterns - These repeat the same sequence over and over, like red, blue, green, red, blue, green.
2. Growing patterns - These get bigger or increase in a certain way, like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.

When you see a pattern, ask yourself:

• What is the rule?
• Does it repeat or grow?
• What comes next?

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you’re at a theme park and you see a ticket pricing pattern:

This is a growing pattern where the price goes up by £5 each day. If you want to know how much a ticket costs on Saturday, you add £5 to £40, so it would be £45.

Another example is a queue pattern at a rollercoaster:

• First group: 5 people
• Second group: 10 people
• Third group: 15 people
• Fourth group: 20 people

This is also a growing pattern where each group has 5 more people than the last. So the next group would have 25 people.

Let’s look at a repeating pattern:

• First ride: Ferris wheel
• Second ride: Carousel
• Third ride: Rollercoaster
• Fourth ride: Ferris wheel
• Fifth ride: Carousel
• Sixth ride: Rollercoaster

This is a repeating pattern that goes Ferris wheel, Carousel, Rollercoaster and then starts over. So the next ride after the rollercoaster would be the Ferris wheel.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Theme Park Pattern Quest

You are a detective at a theme park, and you have a mission: find the pattern in the rides’ opening times to help plan a fun day!

1. First time: The Ferris wheel opens at 9:00
2. Second time: The carousel opens at 10:00
3. Third time: The rollercoaster opens at 11:00
4. Fourth time: The Ferris wheel opens at 12:00
5. Fifth time: The carousel opens at 1:00
6. Sixth time: The rollercoaster opens at 2:00
7. Seventh time: ?

What time does the Ferris wheel open next? What pattern do you see?

Answer: The pattern is Ferris wheel, carousel, rollercoaster, Ferris wheel, carousel, rollercoaster, so the next ride is the Ferris wheel at 3:00.

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that a pattern always increases by the same amount.

  Why it happens: Children might only look at one or two numbers and think the pattern is simple.

  Fix: Look at the whole sequence and check if the same number is added each time. For example, in 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, the pattern is +2 each time. But in 2, 4, 8, 16, it’s not +2 each time — it’s ×2.

• Mistake: Confusing a repeating pattern with a growing one.

  Why it happens: A repeating pattern looks like it's growing, but it's just the same set of items over and over.

  Fix: Check if the same items keep repeating or if the sequence keeps increasing. For example, red, blue, green, red, blue, green is repeating, but 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 is growing.

• Mistake: Not checking if the pattern is consistent.

  Why it happens: Children might see a sequence and guess what comes next without checking the rule.

  Fix: Always check the difference or rule between each step. If you’re not sure, write it down or count aloud.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child practice patterns in everyday life:

• Look at the days of the week and notice that they repeat every 7 days.
• Count the number of steps in your house and see if they form a pattern.
• Play pattern games during a car ride or walk. For example, say “red, blue, green, red, blue, green” and let your child continue the pattern.
• Use real-life situations like ticket prices, bus schedules, or meal times to find patterns.
• Encourage your child to explain their pattern to you. This helps them think more deeply about the rule.

Remember, it’s okay if your child makes mistakes. Patterns are a skill that gets better with practice. Keep the fun going and celebrate small wins!

Practice questions

1. What comes next in this pattern: 3, 6, 9, 12, ?
2. Continue the pattern: A, B, C, A, B, C, A, B, ?
3. What number comes next in this pattern: 10, 15, 20, 25, ?
4. What comes next in this pattern: 5, 10, 15, 20, ?
5. Continue the pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, ?

Answers:

1. 15
2. C
3. 30
4. 25
5. 14

FAQ

What is a pattern in maths?

A pattern is a sequence of numbers, shapes, or objects that follow a rule. It can repeat or grow.

How do I find a pattern?

Look at the sequence and see if there’s a rule. Is the same thing repeating? Is the number getting bigger in the same way?

Why are patterns important?

Patterns help us predict what comes next and understand how things change. They are used in science, art, music, and everyday life.

Can patterns be in real life?

Yes! Patterns are everywhere. From the way the seasons change to the number of cookies in a row, patterns help us make sense of the world.

How can I practice patterns at home?

You can use everyday objects like toys, snacks, or even your steps to create and continue patterns. Try counting by 2s, 5s, or 10s to practice growing patterns.