Patterning

For the next few weeks we'll be exploring patterns! 

We'll be looking at  repeating  patterns,  growing patterns, shrinking patterns and alternating patterns.  In addition to looking at number patterns, we'll analyse geometric patterns.

When solving patterning problems a table of values is helpful.  The table allows students to record the information in an organized way and they can then analyse the values to determine the pattern.

Take a look at this geometric pattern:

Each table records a different pattern.
The first table examines the pattern in the areas.
The second looks at perimeter and the pattern that emerges as each frame adds more squares.

In this problem, students will use a table of values to organize the information.  Usually a table of values has two columns, but in this case, a third column will be used to track the total length of the tape.

Predicting future terms can be done a number of ways including the use of a graph. Once the pattern is recorded in a table of values, the pattern can be graphed. The graph might depict a trend that can be used for future predictions.

Using the graph as a predictive tool,
it is reasonable to guess that the fifth position
will have no tiles. The table and visual
representation support this prediction.

Here's another geometric pattern.  For practice in the next week or two, your child can display the pattern in a table of values up to the 10th frame.  Ask him/her if they can figure out the 20th, without extending the table further.