Play with Patterns - Number Patterns

A number pattern is a sequence of numbers that follow a specific rule to find the next numbers. Imagine a row of blocks where each block has a number written on it, like $2, 4, 6, 8$; these blocks follow a predictable path.

The 'Rule' of a pattern is the mathematical operation (addition or subtraction) applied to one number to get the next. For example, if we have $10, 20, 30$, the rule is to 'Add $10$' to the previous number.

Growing patterns are sequences where the numbers increase. Visually, this looks like a staircase going up, where each step is higher than the last, such as $5, 10, 15, 20$.

Shrinking or decreasing patterns are sequences where the numbers get smaller. Imagine a countdown for a rocket launch or walking down a ladder, such as $50, 40, 30, 20$.

Skip counting is a common way to form patterns. When you skip count by $2$, you jump over one number to land on the next, creating a sequence like $2, 4, 6, 8, 10$ on a number line.

Even and Odd number patterns follow specific sequences. Even numbers always end in $0, 2, 4, 6, 8$, while odd numbers always end in $1, 3, 5, 7, 9$. On a $10 \times 10$ number grid, these often form vertical stripes of color.

Number patterns can also be found in Grids or Tables. In a $10 \times 10$ square, moving down a column usually increases the number by $10$ (e.g., $4, 14, 24, 34$), while moving across a row increases it by $1$.