---
title: "Finding efficient methods"
description: "Notice when a calculation or pattern repeats and use this to count more efficiently or predict results"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/finding-efficient-methods-mt_RFeVlw0QvX
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/finding-efficient-methods-mt_RFeVlw0QvX.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Finding efficient methods

Notice when a calculation or pattern repeats and use this to count more efficiently or predict results

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Mathematical Thinking · Ages 5 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/finding-efficient-methods-mt_RFeVlw0QvX

## Ready when they can

- Notice that skip counting by 2s follows a repeating odd/even pattern
- Recognise that adding 1 to any number always gives the next counting number
- Use a repeated pattern (e.g. +10 on a hundred chart always moves down one row) to predict answers

## Lesson: Finding efficient methods

Numbers can follow a pattern. When you count, each number is one more than the one before it. Even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8. You can split them into pairs with none left over. If you spot the pattern, you can guess what comes next.

*(drawing: Skip count by 2s: 2, 4, 6, 8, then 10. Each number is 2 more.)*

**Example.** Leo counts by 10s: 10, 20, 30. He adds 10 each time. So he knows 40 comes next. On a hundred chart, adding 10 moves you down one row, because 20 sits right below 10.

**Tip.** You can use the pattern to jump ahead instead of counting one by one.

**Recap.** Spot the pattern, then use it to guess the next number fast.

## Practice

18 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Counting in 2s, 5s and 10s](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/counting-in-2s-5s-and-10s-mt_nvdpxAJTBG)
- [One More Each Time](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/one-more-each-time-mt_sYpKWbq5ra)

## Opens up

- [Generalising Patterns](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/generalising-patterns-mt_fZTn0W_iZR)