Patterns & Sequences: the Magic Behind Repeating Things

What Is a Pattern?

A pattern is something that repeats in a regular way.
It can be numbers, colors, shapes, or even sounds.
When you notice a pattern, you can guess what comes next!

Finding the Rule

Every pattern has a rule that tells you how to move from one step to the next.

• Number Patterns often add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
• Color Patterns may switch back and forth or follow a longer cycle.
  Think about the rule, then test it with a few steps to be sure it works.

Mini Quiz – Test Your Pattern Powers!

1. What Comes Next? 3, 6, 9, 12, …

   • Answer: 15

2. Which Rule Creates The Sequence 5, 10, 15, 20, …?

   • Answer: Add 5 each time.

3. In The Color Pattern red, blue, red, blue, … What Is The 7th Color?

   • Answer: Red

Great job! You’ve spotted patterns, figured out rules, and solved a quiz.

Look around your room, school, or playground.

• Do the tiles on the floor make a shape pattern?
• Do the beats in a song follow a rhythm pattern?

Whenever you see a pattern, try to name its rule.
The more you practice, the easier it becomes to see the magic of patterns everywhere!