📝 What is a Pattern Rule?
A pattern rule has two parts:
- Starting number (the first number)
- Operation (what we do each time: add, subtract, multiply...)
Example: Start at 5, add 4 each time.
✍️ How to Write Clear Pattern Rules
Good Rule Examples:
• Start with 3, add 5 each time
• Start with 20, subtract 2 each time
• Start with 2, multiply by 3 each time
📊 Using Input/Output Tables
These tables help us see the rule clearly.
Input → Output Table
Input | Output
1 | 6
2 | 11
3 | 16
4 | 21
Rule: Start at 1, add 5 each time (or Output = Input × 5 + 1)
✏️ Let’s Practice Together, My Dear Student!
Practice 1: Write the Rule
1. 7, 12, 17, 22, 27 ...
Rule: Start at 7, add 5 each time
2. 40, 36, 32, 28, 24 ...
Rule: Start at 40, subtract 4 each time
Practice 2: Complete the Table
Input | Output
2 | 8
3 | 12
4 | ___
5 | ___
Rule: Multiply by 4 → 16, 20
Practice 3: Word Problems (Canadian Style)
1. You earn $6 allowance every week. Write a pattern rule for your total money after each week.
Rule: Start at 0, add 6 each week
2. The temperature starts at 15°C and drops 3 degrees every hour. Write the rule and what it will be after 6 hours.
Rule: Start at 15, subtract 3 each hour → After 6 hours: 15 - 18 = -3°C
Challenge Question
The pattern is 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 ... Write the rule using multiplication.
Rule: Start at 5, multiply by 2 each time
Fantastic Job, My Dear Student! 🎉
You now understand Pattern Rules very well! Writing clear rules helps us predict numbers far into the future.
I am so proud of you. Try making your own pattern rule today and ask a family member to continue it!
💕 You are smart. You are kind. You can do hard things.
When you are ready, tell me the next topic (Algebraic Expressions, Equations, or anything else) and I will create another beautiful lesson just for you!