Spotting mathematical patterns
Notice simple patterns and structures: spot that changing order doesn't change the total, and recognise how numbers relate to each other
What a learner can do afterwards
- Notice that 3 + 2 gives the same answer as 2 + 3 (early commutativity)
- Recognise that teen numbers are 'ten and some more' (e.g. 14 is 10 and 4)
- Spot a pattern in a sequence of objects or numbers and predict what comes next
1 · Read
You can swap the order of two numbers you add. The answer stays the same.
Ben has 4 red cubes and 3 blue cubes. That makes 7 cubes. He counts blue first, then red. He still gets 7.
Numbers can show a pattern too. Teen numbers are ten and some more. 14 is 10 and 4.
Look for a pattern in a row of numbers. Ask what changes each time. Then guess what comes next.
Order can change, but the answer stays the same, and patterns help you guess what comes next.
More to read
Reason about visual patterns by using tables and graphs
Patterns are things that repeat in a steady way. You might see colours repeat red, blue, red, blue. You might see numbers grow by the same jump each time. When you spot the rule, you can guess what comes next. Look at what changes and what stays the same. Say the rule in words before you predict.
Properties of addition
Addition has a neat pattern. 3 plus 2 gives 5. 2 plus 3 also gives 5. The order can swap and the total stays the same. Try it with blocks. Make 3 and 2, then flip the groups. The total does not move. Spotting this saves time when you add.
Intro to place value: FAQ
Teen numbers follow a pattern too. Each teen is ten and some more. 14 is 10 and 4. 17 is 10 and 7. Once you see ten hiding inside, reading and making teen numbers gets easy. Build them with a ten stick and single cubes to see the pattern.
Explore more
2 · Watch
En anglaisTake it off screen
Where it sits
Learn first
Nothing; this is a starting point.
Optional connections
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
17 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.