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
The lesson
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.
Watch it
Where it sits
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 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.