What is Pattern in Math? A pattern in math consists of an arrangement of numbers, shapes, colors, pictures (and so on) that are repeated in a certain order. It can be as simple as a triangle and a square repeating themselves for example, or it can incorporate many more shapes. Patterns help us to make predictions that enable us to extend and complete patterns. For example, “2, 4, 6, 8” is a basic pattern that uses only even numbers. By looking at these four numbers and recognizing that they are all even, you could then predict that the next number in the pattern would be 10. Sometimes patterns in math can follow a rule. This is where all of the numbers in the pattern are related to each other by a specific rule. For example, “4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29” is a pattern that is created by using the five times table and taking away one each time. 5 x 1 = 5 5 - 1 = 4 (this is the first number in the pattern) 5 x 2 = 10 10 - 1 = 9 (this is the second number in the pattern) You can carry this pattern on for as long as you like, as long as you follow the rule. Why not challenge your students to come up with their own rules for some patterns? Or get them to complete some of our pattern activity sheets in class. We have loads of great resources available and they are all prep-free! Examples of patterns Three examples of Pattern in Math 1. Simple sequencing patterns in math A simple sequencing pattern can be any numbers that are in a sequence that follow the pattern’s rule. Two examples can be seen below. Simple even number pattern, where the rule is that only even numbers can be included in the pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and so on. Simple multiples of ten pattern: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and so on. 2. Symmetrical patterns in math Symmetrical patterns can be found in shapes that have two identical halves. This means that when a mirror line is drawn through the center of the shape and it’s folded, the two halves are identical. Squares, circles, regular triangles, and rectangles are all examples of shapes that have symmetrical patterns. 3. Geometric patterns in math Geometric patterns, unlike sequencing patterns, are made up of a series of different shapes instead of numbers. Students who are learning about shapes as well as patterns will benefit from completing geometric patterns, as it enables students to practice their shape recognition as well as pattern skills. Squares, stars, circles, pentagons, rectangles, and triangles are all popular shapes that appear in geometric patterns in math.

Examples of patterns Three examples of Pattern in Math 1. Simple sequencing patterns in math A simple sequencing pattern can be any numbers that are in a sequence that follow the pattern’s rule. Two examples can be seen below. Simple even number pattern, where the rule is that only even numbers can be included in the pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and so on. Simple multiples of ten pattern: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and so on. 2. Symmetrical patterns in math Symmetrical patterns can be found in shapes that have two identical halves. This means that when a mirror line is drawn through the center of the shape and it’s folded, the two halves are identical. Squares, circles, regular triangles, and rectangles are all examples of shapes that have symmetrical patterns. 3. Geometric patterns in math Geometric patterns, unlike sequencing patterns, are made up of a series of different shapes instead of numbers. Students who are learning about shapes as well as patterns will benefit from completing geometric patterns, as it enables students to practice their shape recognition as well as pattern skills. Squares, stars, circles, pentagons, rectangles, and triangles are all popular shapes that appear in geometric patterns in math.