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Identify repeating patterns

A repeating pattern consists of a smallest group of elements—the core—that occurs again in the same order, such as red-blue-blue, red-blue-blue. The learner identifies the core in sequences of objects, shapes, colors, sounds, or simple numbers, and uses it to determine a missing or next element; the pattern is not merely a collection of similar features. General algebraic rules and growing or more complex patterns are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Identify repeating patterns

A repeating pattern uses the same small group of items again and again. This small group is called the core.

Look at this pattern:

🔴 🔵 🔵 🔴 🔵 🔵 🔴 __

Step 1: Look for the group that repeats.

The group is:

🔴 🔵 🔵

It repeats like this:

🔴 🔵 🔵 | 🔴 🔵 🔵 | 🔴 __

Step 2: Continue the group in the same order.

After 🔴, the pattern needs 🔵, then 🔵.

Step 3: Fill in the missing item.

The missing item is 🔵.

So the completed pattern is:

🔴 🔵 🔵 🔴 🔵 🔵 🔴 🔵

The repeating core is 🔴 🔵 🔵.

Learn by doing: Identify repeating patterns

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Patterning - Concept Intro (Repeating) - Picture to Missing Term


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