number · Year 6 · AC9M6A01
Number sequences with changing jumps
Not every pattern adds the same amount each time. Write the jumps between the numbers underneath the pattern. If the jumps grow by the same amount (+1, +2, +3, +4), keep that going. If the jumps are not steady, check whether each number is multiplied: 3, 6, 12, 24 doubles. Square numbers 1, 4, 9, 16 have jumps of 3, 5, 7: growing by 2. Always check your rule on every number shown.
Sample questions
Look at how the jumps change. What comes next? 18, 22, 27, 33, 40, ?
- The jumps are +4, +5, +6, +7.
- Each jump is 1 more than the one before, so the next jump is +8.
- 40 + 8 = 48.
Answer: 48
Look at how the jumps change. What comes next? 2, 6, 11, 17, 24, ?
- The jumps are +4, +5, +6, +7.
- Each jump is 1 more than the one before, so the next jump is +8.
- 24 + 8 = 32.
Answer: 32
Look at how the jumps change. What comes next? 1, 5, 10, 16, 23, ?
- The jumps are +4, +5, +6, +7.
- Each jump is 1 more than the one before, so the next jump is +8.
- 23 + 8 = 31.
Answer: 31