Exploring Patterns in Mathematics

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Exploring Patterns in Mathematics

What do you already know about recognising patterns in maths?

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify, describe, and create patterns in mathematics, and understand their practical applications.

What Are Mathematical Patterns?

Patterns are regular or repeating arrangements in numbers, shapes, or other mathematical objects. They help us make predictions and solve problems.

Recognising Number Patterns

Look for similarities or rules in sequences, such as adding the same number each time (arithmetic) or multiplying by a constant (geometric).

Patterns in Shapes

Patterns are not only in numbers. Shapes can repeat, reflect, or rotate to create beautiful designs, like tessellations.

Types of Patterns

Arithmetic Patterns

Each term increases by the same amount. Example: 2, 5, 8, 11, ... (adding 3 each time).

Geometric Patterns

Each term multiplies by the same factor. Example: 2, 4, 8, 16, ... (multiplying by 2 each time).

Using Patterns to Solve Problems

Patterns help us predict next numbers, fill in missing entries, and even recognise errors in data or calculations.

Patterns Everywhere

We see patterns in art, nature, architecture, music, and more. Recognising them makes mathematics relevant to everyday life.

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