A number pattern which increases (or decreases) by the same amount each time is called a linear sequence. The amount it increases or decreases by is known as the common difference.
The next number is
The next number is
The next number is
Each number in a number pattern is called a term. So in the number pattern ,
,
,
the first term is
, the second term is
and the third term is
, etc.
Write down the rule and the next two terms in the number pattern: ,
,
,
and then check your answer.
The rule is 'multiply by ' and the next
terms are
and
.
Notice how patterns change from one term to another. Work out the rule that will get you from the term to the
term, and then check that the same rule will get you from the
term to the
term.
If it doesn't work, find a different rule to get to the number and then check that it gets you to the
number.