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Identify growing patterns

A growing pattern is an ordered sequence of numbers, shapes, or quantities in which each new term is formed by adding a consistent amount or by extending a consistent structure; the learner identifies the growth rule, continues the pattern, and finds missing terms. Patterns may be represented with objects, pictures, tables, or numbers within familiar counting ranges, without requiring symbolic formulas or more general algebraic rules.

Detailed Explanation: Identify growing patterns

A growing pattern gets bigger by the same amount each time. To find the rule, compare two numbers next to each other.

Example: Find the missing numbers.

4, 7, 10, □, □4,\ 7,\ 10,\ \square,\ \square
  1. Compare the first two numbers:
    44 to 77 means add 33.

  2. Check the next pair:
    77 to 1010 also means add 33.

  3. The growth rule is add 33 each time.

  4. Continue adding 33:

    • 10+3=1310+3=13
    • 13+3=1613+3=16

So the completed pattern is:

4, 7, 10, 13, 164,\ 7,\ 10,\ 13,\ 16

To identify a growing pattern, look at how much each term increases. Then use that same amount to find the next or missing terms.

Learn by doing: Identify growing patterns

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Patterning - Next in Growing Shape Pattern


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