Problem Solving: Number Patterns

Mathematics is full of patterns and mathematicians analyze data, searching for patterns that will allow them to draw conclusions and make hypotheses.

These problems were specifically designed to reinforce common mathematical patterns.  Some patterns are easily identified.  Others are best solved using an input/output table to collect and analyze mathematical patterns.

Grades 1-2:

• Bay Street requires students to analyze the pattern of house numbers on Bay Street. Students write down the pattern they see and use this number pattern to write in the missing house numbers. 
• King Street requires students to analyze the pattern of house numbers on King Street. Students write down the pattern they see and use this number pattern to write in the missing house numbers.  

Grades 3-4:

• Baseball Season is a pattern problem that can be easily solved using a table of values. 
• Anthony's Allowance provides additional pattern practice.  

It is important that students identify the patterns they see, using their own words to describe these patterns.  Supply mathematical terms as you summarize their findings, adding terms such as odd, even, Fibonacci sequence, repeating pattern, growing pattern, etc. Add these terms to the math word wall so that students may consult this list in future problem solving.