Find a pattern strategy

Quick answer

When you are solving a problem, look for a pattern or repeated structure. If you can find a pattern, you can use it to predict what comes next or solve the problem more easily.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to look for repeated structures or patterns in a problem and use them to help you find the answer.

• You can spot a pattern in a sequence of numbers or shapes.
• You can use the pattern to predict what comes next.
• You can use the pattern to solve a problem more quickly.
• You can explain how you found the pattern in a problem.

Why this matters

Patterns help us understand how things work and make predictions. When you can find a pattern, you are thinking like a mathematician. You can use patterns in many areas of life:

• Games: In a board game, you might notice that every turn, the number of pieces increases by 3. This helps you plan ahead.
• Music: A song might have a repeated beat or rhythm that you can predict.
• Science: Scientists use patterns to understand how animals behave or how weather changes.
• Everyday life: You might notice that you eat the same number of biscuits each day, or that the sun rises at the same time every morning.

Recognising patterns helps you solve problems faster and more accurately. It’s a powerful tool for learning and thinking.

How it works

Here are simple steps to find a pattern:

1. Look carefully: Examine the problem or sequence. What do you see?
2. Find repetition: Are there any things that repeat or happen again?
3. Describe the pattern: What is the rule? Does it go up by 2 each time? Does it go 1, 2, 1, 2?
4. Use it to solve: Use your pattern to predict what comes next or to solve the problem.

Let’s look at some examples to understand this better.

Examples you can see

Example 1: Numbers

Look at this sequence: 2, 4, 6, 8, ?

• What do you notice? Each number goes up by 2.
• This is a pattern: add 2 each time.
• So the next number is 10.

Example 2: Shapes

Look at this pattern: Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, Triangle, ?

• This pattern repeats every 3 shapes: Circle, Square, Triangle.
• So the next shape is Circle.

Example 3: Real Life

You have 3 red marbles, then 3 blue marbles, then 3 green marbles. How many marbles are there in total?

• Each group has 3 marbles.
• There are 3 groups.
• So, 3 + 3 + 3 = 9 marbles.

Example 4: Time

Your friend jumps rope every 5 seconds. If they jump 3 times in 15 seconds, how many times will they jump in 25 seconds?

• They jump every 5 seconds.
• In 25 seconds, there are 5 jumps (25 ÷ 5 = 5).
• So they jump 5 times.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Pattern Trail

You are going on a treasure hunt! You find a map with a trail of numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ?

1. Look at the numbers. What do you notice?
2. Each number goes up by 2.
3. So, what number comes next?
4. What would come after that?
5. Continue the pattern to find the treasure!

Mini Challenge: If the pattern continues, what is the 10th number?

Answer: 19. The pattern is: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19.

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking the pattern is different just because the numbers are close together.
• Why it happens: You might not look closely enough at the rule.
• Fix: Count the steps between numbers to find the real pattern.

• Mistake: Skipping a step in the pattern.
• Why it happens: You might get distracted or tired.
• Fix: Write down the pattern step by step or draw it out.

• Mistake: Not checking if the pattern works for all numbers.
• Why it happens: You might think one number is enough to decide the rule.
• Fix: Try the pattern with more numbers to be sure.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child find patterns can be fun and rewarding:

• Encourage observation: Ask questions like, “What do you notice?” or “What’s the same?”
• Use everyday examples: Count steps, look at the pattern of traffic lights, or notice the number of cookies on each plate.
• Draw or build: Let your child draw a pattern or use blocks to show it.
• Be patient: It’s okay if it takes time to see the pattern.
• Keep it light: Don’t make it feel like a test. Let your child explore and enjoy the discovery.

Remember: Patterns are not just for math. They help children understand the world around them. This skill will help in reading, science, music, and more!

Practice questions

1. What comes next in the pattern: 5, 10, 15, 20, ?
2. Complete the pattern: 1, 4, 7, 10, ?
3. What comes next in this shape pattern: Triangle, Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, ?
4. How many stars are in this pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, ?
5. What is the 7th number in this pattern: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, ?

Answers:

1. 25
2. 13
3. Triangle
4. 14
5. 21

FAQ

What is a pattern?

A pattern is a repeated structure or rule. It can be numbers, shapes, or actions that follow a specific order.

Why is finding a pattern helpful?

Patterns help us predict what comes next, solve problems more quickly, and understand how things work in the world.

Can patterns be in real life?

Yes! Patterns can be found in nature, music, daily routines, and even in games and stories.

How do I know if I found the right pattern?

Try your pattern with more numbers or items. If it works every time, then you’ve found the right one.

Can I use this strategy for all math problems?

No, not all problems have patterns, but many do. It’s a helpful tool to try when you’re stuck.