Patterns, functions and relationships (Grade 3) – Week 10 focus
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Subject: Mathematics
Class: Grade 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 10
Theme: General lesson support
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Patterns are all around us, from the tiles on the floor of your kitchen to the stripes on a zebra! Understanding patterns helps us predict what comes next, solve problems, and even create beautiful things like beadwork and songs. In Grade 3, we're going to explore different kinds of patterns and learn how to describe them using numbers and shapes. Learning about patterns now will help you later when you learn more advanced maths like algebra. Think of the patterns in the rows of vegetables planted in a community garden or the seating arrangements at a soccer game – maths is everywhere!
What is a Pattern? A pattern is something that repeats in a predictable way. It could be a sequence of numbers, shapes, colours, or even sounds! We are looking for what comes next, and what rule governs the pattern. Number Patterns (Arithmetic Sequences) A number pattern is a list of numbers that follow a specific rule. This rule tells you how to get from one number to the next. In Grade 3, we will focus on patterns where the rule involves adding or subtracting the same number each time. This same number is sometimes called a constant difference.
Increasing Patterns: These patterns go up, meaning the numbers get bigger. They usually involve adding.
Example: 2, 4, 6, 8, __, __. The rule is "add 2". So, the next numbers are 10 and
1
2. Decreasing Patterns: These patterns go down, meaning the numbers get smaller. They usually involve subtracting.
Example: 15, 12, 9, 6, __, __. The rule is "subtract 3". So, the next numbers are 3 and 0.