Skill: Describe a simple pattern rule

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

A simple pattern rule describes how elements repeat or how numbers change in a consistent way, such as repeating an AB or ABC unit or adding or subtracting the same small amount. It enables prediction of the next or missing element and explanation of why it belongs, using shapes, colors, objects, or numerals; symbolic formulas and generalized rules for broader number sets are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Describe a simple pattern rule

A pattern follows a rule that repeats or changes in the same way.

Look at this pattern:

🔴 🔵 🔴 🔵 🔴 __

Step 1: Look for what repeats.
The colors repeat in this order:

🔴 🔵

This is an AB pattern: red, blue, red, blue.

Step 2: Find what comes next.
After 🔴 comes 🔵.

Step 3: Complete the pattern.

🔴 🔵 🔴 🔵 🔴 🔵

The missing shape is a blue circle because the rule is “red, blue, then repeat.”

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Patterning - Rule for 2 Item Repeating Shape Pattern


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