Skill: Describe a pattern rule

A pattern rule tells how one term changes to get the next term.

Example:
$4,\ 7,\ 10,\ 13,\ \ldots$

Step 1: Compare numbers next to each other.

• $4$ to $7$: add $3$
• $7$ to $10$: add $3$
• $10$ to $13$: add $3$

Step 2: Check that the change stays the same.

Each number is found by adding $3$ to the number before it.

Term	Number
1st	4
2nd	7
3rd	10
4th	13

Step 3: Say the rule in words.

The rule is: Start at 4 and add 3 each time.

Using the rule, the next number is $13+3=16$. The important part is explaining how the pattern is formed, not only naming the next number.