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Identify numerical patterns

Numerical patterns are ordered sequences of numbers generated by a consistent rule, such as repeatedly adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing by a fixed amount, and can be represented in lists or tables to determine missing and subsequent terms. Comparing two patterns involves relating corresponding terms, describing how one quantity changes with another, and representing ordered pairs on a coordinate grid; the focus is on whole-number patterns and familiar relationships, not formal algebraic functions or complex generalized sequences.

Detailed Explanation: Identify numerical patterns

A numerical pattern is a list of numbers that follows the same rule each time. To identify the pattern, compare each number with the number before it.

Example

Find the missing number:

7, 12, 17, □, 277,\ 12,\ 17,\ \square,\ 27

Step 1: Compare consecutive numbers.

From 77 to 1212:

12−7=512-7=5

From 1212 to 1717:

17−12=517-12=5

The numbers increase by 55 each time.

Step 2: Use the rule to find the missing number.

Add 55 to 1717:

17+5=2217+5=22

So, the missing number is 2222.

Step 3: Check the pattern.

7, 12, 17, 22, 277,\ 12,\ 17,\ 22,\ 27

Each number is 55 more than the one before it, so the pattern is correct.

The rule is: start at 77 and add 55 each time.

Learn by doing: Identify numerical patterns

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Patterning - Rule for Geometric Pattern


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