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.
Explore this idea with maths tools
Maths you can move
Build 8 + 5
Tap two gold counters to fill the ten-frame.
8 in the frame + 5 waiting. The total stays the same.
Words to know
- sequence
- numbers in order that follow a rule
- term
- one number in a sequence
Worked examples
What comes next? 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, ?
- 1.The jumps are +1, +2, +3, +4.
- 2.The next jump is +5: 12 + 5 = 17.
= 17
What comes next? 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, ?
- 1.Each number is 2 times the one before.
- 2.48 × 2 = 96.
= 96
What comes next? 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ?
- 1.These are square numbers: 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3 …
- 2.6 × 6 = 36.
= 36
For parents
Method: Write the jumps underneath
What to say: What are the jumps? Do the jumps follow a pattern, or is it multiplying?
Common mistakes:
- Assumes the jump stays the same and repeats the last one.
- Looks only at the first jump and keeps adding it.
- Assumes the pattern doubles because the numbers grow quickly.
- Treats a multiplying pattern as if its jumps grow by the same amount each time.