A learner interprets a pattern rule as a consistent relationship between consecutive terms and generates the resulting sequence of whole numbers by applying that rule repeatedly, using representations such as ordered lists or input-output tables. The understanding includes distinguishing the starting value from the operation that changes each term and recognizing that a pattern is not merely a collection of numbers; rules involving simple addition, subtraction, or multiplication are emphasized, while symbolic formulas and more general function rules are beyond this scope.
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Detailed Explanation: Generate a pattern from a rule
A pattern rule tells you:
- Where to start
- What to do each time to find the next number
Example
Start with 4. Add 3 each time. Find the first five numbers.
Begin with the starting value:
Now apply the rule repeatedly:
So the pattern is:
| Term | Number |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 7 |
| 3 | 10 |
| 4 | 13 |
| 5 | 16 |
Remember: The starting number is , and the operation is “add .” Use the same operation every time. A pattern is not just a list of numbers—it is a list made by following a rule.
Learn by doing: Generate a pattern from a rule
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Practice:
Patterning - Concept Intro - Rule to Term List
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Download/Modify Free Grade 3 'Generate a pattern from a rule' Worksheet
Print this free 'Generate a pattern from a rule' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Patterning - Concept Intro - Rule to Term List
- Patterning - First Values from Rule for Increasing Arithmetic Pattern
- Patterning - First Values from Rule for Geometric Pattern
- Skip Counting Upward by Single Digits - Next 3 in Pattern
- Patterning - Concept Intro - Rule to Type
- Patterning - Concept Intro - Type to Rule
- Patterning - Concept Intro - Picture to Rule
- Patterning - Concept Intro - (Arithmetic) - Picture to Term List
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Generate a pattern from a rule) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.