Patterns & Sequences

Number Patterns

A number pattern follows a rule. Your job is to find the rule and use it to find the missing number.

Common rules:

• Add the same number: 3, 6, 9, 12, __ → rule: +3 → next: 15
• Subtract the same number: 20, 17, 14, 11, __ → rule: −3 → next: 8
• Multiply: 2, 4, 8, 16, __ → rule: ×2 → next: 32
• Alternating: 1, 3, 1, 3, __ → pattern repeats → next: 1

Shape & Picture Patterns

Look at how shapes, colours, or sizes repeat or change in a sequence.

Ask yourself: What changes from one figure to the next?

• Does a shape rotate (turn)?
• Does it get bigger or smaller?
• Does a colour or shading change?
• Is there an ABAB or ABCABC repeat?

Strategy

• Write the difference between consecutive terms: 5, 8, 11, 14 → differences are all +3.
• If differences aren't equal, check if you need to multiply or if there are two alternating patterns.
• Always verify your rule works for every term shown.