Growing Patterns
Some patterns get bigger each time instead of repeating the same size. One dot, then two, then three is a growing pattern.
- Spot when a pattern grows by a steady amount each step
- Draw the next picture in a growing pattern
- Tell growing patterns apart from repeating AB patterns
Finish first
Topic contents
Lesson 1 of 3
Bigger each time
A growing pattern changes size as you move along. One block, then two blocks, then three blocks in a tower is growing by one each step.
Look at how much was added. If each step adds exactly one block, the rule is plus one. That rule helps you draw step four.
Growing patterns still follow a rule. The rule is about size, not about swapping two colors back and forth.
Lesson 2 of 3
Different growth rules
Some patterns grow by two each time: two leaves, four leaves, six leaves. The jump between steps stays the same.
Triangle stacks can grow too. Row one has one dot, row two has three dots, row three has six dots if you build a triangle shape.
Write the sizes in a list: 1, 2, 3, 4. The list helps you see the steady change without redrawing every picture.
Lesson 3 of 3
Growing vs repeating
Red-blue-red-blue stays the same size; it repeats. One-two-three-four blocks gets taller; it grows.
Ask two questions: does it repeat the same chunk, or does it get bigger? That tells you which kind of pattern you have.
Next you will compare steady patterns with mixes that have no rule at all.
Practice
Work these out yourself
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