Patterns, functions and relationships (Grade 3) – Week 6 focus
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Subject: Mathematics
Class: Grade 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6
Theme: General lesson support
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This week, we dive into the exciting world of patterns! Patterns are all around us in South Africa, from the beautiful geometric designs on Ndebele houses and the intricate beadwork of Zulu artists, to the rhythm of our favourite Gqom song and the way the sun rises and sets each day. In Mathematics, understanding patterns helps us to see order in the world, make predictions, and solve problems. This ability is a foundational skill for all future mathematics, like algebra.
What is a Number Pattern? A number pattern is a list of numbers that follow a certain rule. The rule tells you how to get from one number to the next. Think of it as a secret code!
Types of Number Patterns we will explore: Growing Patterns: The numbers get bigger. This means we are adding the same number each time.
Shrinking Patterns: The numbers get smaller. This means we are subtracting the same number each time. The number that we add or subtract each time is called the rule or the constant difference. How to Find the Rule To become a pattern detective, you need to ask two questions: Are the numbers getting bigger or smaller? If bigger, the rule is addition (+). If smaller, the rule is subtraction (-). By how much are they changing? Find the difference between two numbers that are next to each other. This difference is your rule!