1. Patterns and sequences
We often need to spot a pattern in order to predict what will happen next.
In maths, the correct name for a pattern of numbers is called a SEQUENCE.
The first number in a SEQUENCE is sometimes called the FIRST TERM; the second is the SECOND TERM and so on.

2. Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot what is happening before you can predict the next number.
The first 2 or 3 numbers is rarely enough to show the full pattern - 4 or 5 numbers are best.

3. Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot what is happening before you can predict the next number.
1, 2, …… What’s the next number?

4. Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot what is happening before you can predict the next number.
1, 2, 4,… Who thought that the next
number was 3?
What comes next?

5. Patterns and sequences
For any pattern it is important to try to spot what is happening before you can predict the next number.
1, 2, 4, 8, 16, …
What comes next?

6. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the next. See if that is what is happening for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, …, …
+ 3

7. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the next. See if that is what is happening for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, …, …
+ 3
+ 3 X

8. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the next. See if that is what is happening for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, …, …
+ 3
+ 4

9. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the next. See if that is what is happening for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, …, …
+ 3
+ 4
+ 5 

10. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the next. See if that is what is happening for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, …, …
+ 3
+ 4
+ 5
+ 6 

11. Patterns and sequences
Look at what is happening from 1 TERM to the next. See if that is what is happening for every TERM.
5, 8, 12, 17, 23, 30, …
+ 3
+ 4
+ 5
+ 6
+ 7

12. Patterns and sequences
Now try these patterns:
3, 7, 11, 15, 19, …, …
128, 64, 32, 16, 8, …, …
1000, , 10, 1, …, …
5, 15, 45, 135, …, …