How to Look for a Pattern in Math Problem Questions

You can find patterns in math by coming up with equations and solving them through trial and error.

Looking for repetitions in numbers or equations can help you discover patterns for more efficient problem solving. Learning how to identify mathematical patterns at a young age can help students develop their skills in multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. For example, understanding patterns in math at a young age helps students realize that a problem asking how to solve 3 x 5 is the same as asking how to solve 5 x 3. With a bit of practice, you can learn how to identify number patterns, so you can solve math problems much faster in school and in real life.

Instructions

1. Read over a given math problem and break it up into separate components as needed. For example, if one mathematical action is required to complete another one, this counts as a separate component.

2. Ensure that you understand every section of the problem. If this is a word problem, you need to identify lengths, measurements or values for specific objects and write them down. You should also identify which variable you are trying to solve.

3. Look for numerical repetitions in each section and write these ideas on paper, justifying the reasons for coming to your conclusion on why you think you see a pattern. For example, if you have a series of numbers that show 0, 3, 8, 15, 24, 35 and you are required to continue the number sequence on your own, you need to come up with different equations to come up with those numbers and calculate their results.

4. Choose a strategy that will be used to forecast whether or not the pattern will continue in other sets of data with the problem. Use tables, charts, or graphs to look at different variables of data within the problem. Develop different equations to represent the calculation of the pattern.

5. Calculate your results, which will require trial and error with the equations you came up with in the previous step. For the math problem presented inStep 3, you can write down the numbers 1 through 6 alongside a column that finds a sequential pattern such as: 0*2, 1*3, 2*4, 3*5, 4*6, 5*7, 6*8, and so on.

6. Check the accuracy by solving all numbers in the problem using the equation you discovered to represent the pattern. Use a calculated if needed and make sure to write down every step of the solving process so that you can clearly see any repetitions in the equations. If the pattern you discovered calculates the right numbers given, you have found an accurate math pattern in the problem and you will be able to continue solving the problem with different variables.

7. Plot the numbers in a chart for easier understanding. Write the equation down that represents how you solved the equation for the pattern. In this case, the equation for continuing the pattern of 0, 3, 8, 15, 24, 35 and so on would be (n-1)*(n+1).

8. Substitute variables as "n" in your equation to continue the pattern in the math problem.

References

• "MathForum.org": Finding a Formula for a Number Pattern
• "TeacherVision": Problem Solving: Find A Pattern