Hey there! Ready to be a number detective? Today we will discover how sequences use hidden rules to connect numbers.
A sequence is an ordered list of numbers that follows a specific path. Each number in the list is called a term, and they all connect using a special pattern.
To find the pattern, we analyze the relationship between neighboring numbers. For example, look at how each step grows by the exact same amount when we add a constant number.
We can also compare different sequences to see how they behave. Some sequences grow larger by multiplying, while others shrink by dividing or subtracting.
✏️ Worked example
Find the missing number in this sequence: 3, 7, 11, 15, __
1. Look at the first two numbers, 3 and 7. Find how they connect. To get from 3 to 7, we add 4.
2. Test this rule on the next pair. Look at 7 and 11. Adding 4 to 7 gives us 11, which matches!
3. Verify the rule one more time. Look at 11 and 15. Adding 4 to 11 gives us 15. The pattern is correct.
4. Apply this addition rule to the last number to find the missing term: 15 + 4 = 19.
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