About Numerical Pattern
What is a Numerical Pattern?
A numerical pattern consists of a series of numbers where a common connection lies among the numbers of the pattern. For example, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10,…
In this sequence of numbers, we can observe that each number is increased by 2. We can also show the numerical pattern on a number line.
What are Numerical Patterns with Dots?
Numerical patterns with dots consist of a certain pattern of dots that are arranged in geometric shapes like a square or a triangle. The number and position of the dots in the pattern will help in predicting the next set of dots in the pattern.
In the example provided in the image, the pattern of dots represent the pattern 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… as the number of dots starts from one dot and goes on till 15.
Solved Numerical Pattern Examples
Example 1: Find the next three numbers in the following numerical pattern: 9, 18, 27, 36, ___, ____, ____
Solution:
From the above pattern, the first step is to figure out the pattern rule.
This is an ascending pattern, hence, the change in the numbers is either based on multiplication or addition.
So, the numbers are related. They are the multiples of 9.
Hence, we can say that each number is increasing by 9.
To get the next number, add 9 to the previous number.
36 + 9 = 45
45 + 9 = 54
And 54 + 9 = 63
The final pattern is 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63.
Example 2: Find the missing numbers in the following pattern: 18, 15, 12, 9, ___, ____
Solution: In the above numerical pattern, the numbers are reduced by 3 as the sequence progresses.
Hence, 3 is being subtracted from each number to get the next number in the pattern.
As a result, we will subtract 3 from 9 to get the next term in the pattern. It will be 6. The next number in the pattern after 6 will be 3 as we subtract 3 from 6.
So, the pattern will be 18, 15, 12, 9, 6, 3.
Example 3: Ryan is visiting his grandmother for the summer vacation and he notices that the houses are in rows that are numbered in a pattern. His grandmother’s house number is 44, the house next to it is numbered as 43, and then the next house is 42. What will be the fifth house number?
Solution: The houses are numbered in the following pattern.
44, 43, 42,…
Now, as we can see from the pattern, the numbers are reducing by 1. Hence, we can understand the rule for the pattern.
By subtracting the house number by 1 gives the next house number
42 – 1 = 41
41 – 1 = 40
40 – 1 = 39
Thus, the pattern is : 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39.
Hence, the fifth house number is 40.
The numerical patterns can be of various types, ranging from ascending to descending orders, multiples of various numbers, series of even numbers, odd numbers and many more patterns.
Patterns that are created with dots can be used for arranging numbers in such shapes like a line, a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a circle and many other geometric shapes.
Number patterns are helpful for developing a solid foundation of mathematics for younger students. Students will understand the importance of numbers as well as the relationship between numbers. By observing different kinds of patterns, students will be able to develop a sharp skill of predicting numbers in sequences. Hence, number patterns increase the math aptitude of students.