Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Copy and extend simple number sequences.
• Identify and describe the rule for a pattern.
• Find missing numbers in a sequence.
• Create your own number patterns.
• Solve simple real-life problems with patterns.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces Grade 3 learners to the exciting world of number patterns. Patterns are all around us in South Africa – from the repeating geometric designs in Ndebele art and the colourful beadwork of Zulu culture, to the rhythmic beats of Amapiano music and the way taxi fares increase with distance. Understanding patterns in mathematics helps us to make predictions, solve problems, and understand the world in a more logical way.

Lesson notes

What is a Number Pattern? A number pattern is a list of numbers that follow a certain rule. Think of it as a secret code where you need to figure out the instruction to find the next number. In Grade 3, we focus on patterns where we add or subtract the same number over and over again. This 'same number' is called the constant difference or the rule. Types of Number Patterns Growing Patterns (Increasing): These are patterns where the numbers get bigger. This happens when the rule is to add a number each time.

Shrinking Patterns (Decreasing): These are patterns where the numbers get smaller. This happens when the rule is to subtract a number each time. How to Find the Rule To become a pattern detective, you need to ask this question: "What is happening between one number and the next?" Look at the first two numbers. Are they getting bigger or smaller? If they are getting bigger, how much bigger? Work out the difference. (e.g., from 10 to 15, the difference is 5). Check if this same difference works for the next pair of numbers. (e.g., from 15 to 20, the difference is also 5). If the difference is the same every time, you have found the rule! The rule is "Add 5". ---

Worked example

Example 1: The Vetkoek Stall

Ntombi sells vetkoek for R3 each at the school market. Let's make a pattern to see how much money she collects.

Sequence: 3, 6, 9, 12, ...

Step 1: Look at the first two numbers. The numbers are getting bigger, from 3 to

6. Step 2: Find the difference. To get from 3 to 6, we add 3. (3 + 3 = 6).

Step 3: Check the next pair. To get from 6 to 9, we also add 3. (6 + 3 = 9).

Conclusion: The rule is "Add 3".

To extend the pattern: We just keep adding

3. The next number will be 12 + 3 =

1

5. Then 15 + 3 =

1

8. The extended pattern: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15,

1

8. Example 2: Counting Down Biltong

Thabo has a bag with 25 pieces of biltong. He eats 4 pieces every day after school.

Sequence: 25, 21, 17, ...

Step 1: Look at the first two numbers. The numbers are getting smaller, from 25 to

2

1. Step 2: Find the difference. To get from 25 to 21, we subtract 4. (25 - 4 = 21).

Step 3: Check the next pair. To get from 21 to 17, we also subtract 4. (21 - 4 = 17).

Conclusion: The rule is "Subtract 4".

To extend the pattern: We keep subtracting

4. The next number is 17 - 4 =

1

3. Then 13 - 4 =

9. The extended pattern: 25, 21, 17, 13, 9.