← Class 6 unitsComputational Thinking
Class 6
Chapter 1: Patterns in Mathematics
Many number sequences follow a rule — add a constant, multiply by a constant, or follow a more complex pattern (like squares or triangular numbers). Spotting the rule lets us predict what comes next.
Learning outcomes
- Recognise and describe number patterns
- Predict the next term using a rule
Activities
- Build patterns with dot diagrams
Worked examples
Read through these first, then try the practice below.
Example 1 — Triangular numbers
1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ? — what comes next?
Solution: Differences are 2, 3, 4, 5; the next difference is 6. So 15 + 6 = 21.
Example 2 — Square numbers
1, 4, 9, 16, ? — what is the next number?
Solution: These are 1², 2², 3², 4². Next is 5² = 25.
Self-do practice
Question 1 of 3 · Score 0/0What comes next? 2, 4, 8, 16, ?
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