---
title: "Spotting mathematical patterns"
description: "Notice simple patterns and structures: spot that changing order doesn't change the total, and recognise how numbers relate to each other"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/spotting-mathematical-patterns-mt_uG2mjHFOlO
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/spotting-mathematical-patterns-mt_uG2mjHFOlO.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# 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

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Mathematical Thinking · Ages 5 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/spotting-mathematical-patterns-mt_uG2mjHFOlO

## Ready when they can

- 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

## Lesson: Spotting patterns in numbers

You can swap the order of two numbers you add. The answer stays the same.

*(drawing: 3 stars, then 2 more. Or 2 stars, then 3 more. Both make 5.)*

**Example.** 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.

**Tip.** Look for a pattern in a row of numbers. Ask what changes each time. Then guess what comes next.

**Recap.** Order can change, but the answer stays the same, and patterns help you guess what comes next.

## Practice

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

## Needs first

- [Addition as combining or putting together two groups](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-as-combining-or-putting-together-two-groups-mt_OvyoRo47K-)
- [The teen numbers](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/the-teen-numbers-mt_xmmgAzxe5j)

## Opens up

- [Using structure to calculate efficiently](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/using-structure-to-calculate-efficiently-mt_DW2D1c0fKx)