Mathematics Unit 1.

1 Pattern

Mathematics as a study of creating, discerning

and generalizing Patterns

Mathematics is often regarded as the science of patterns. When solving a complex problem, we
frequently suggest to students that they try to work on simpler versions of the problem, observe
what happens in a few specific cases — that is, look for a pattern — and use that pattern to solve
the original problem. This pattern-based thinking, using patterns to analyze and solve problems,
is an extremely powerful tool for doing mathematics. Students who are comfortable looking for
patterns and then analyzing those patterns to solve problems can also develop understanding of
new concepts in the same way. Most of the major principles of algebra and geometry emerge as
generalizations of patterns in number and shape.
Mathematics is the study of patterns. Studying pattern is an opportunity to observe,
hypothesis, experiment, discover and create generalizations. Study of patterns
alternatively termed as a study of generalizations. By understanding regularities based on the
data we gather we can predict what comes next, estimate if the same pattern will occur when
variables are altered and begin to extend the pattern. Practical activities that will allow us to
construct knowledge for ourselves with all of the ingredients for a meaningful, thought
provoking and mentally and physically engaging mathematics curriculum. It allows us to bring
together mathematics with music, visual art and craft, vocabulary building, creative writing and
verbal communication, social studies, science and environmental studies, talent and technology.
Understanding patterns nurtures the kind of mathematical training that helps children become
problem-solvers and thinkers.
The mathematician’s patterns, like the painter’s or the poet’s, must be beautiful, the ideas, like
the colours or the words, must fit together in a harmonious way. Beauty is the first test; there is
no permanent place in the world for ugly mathematics….. it may be very hard to define
mathematical beauty, but that is just as true of beauty of any kind.
What are Patterns in Mathematics?
In Mathematics, patterns are related to the type of any event or objects. If we take a set of
elements or numbers in which all these elements or numbers are related to each other in a
specific rule, then this rule or manner is called the pattern. Pattern rule tells how to build a
pattern. We may be able to state a pattern rule in more than one way. Sometimes patterns are
called as sequence. Patterns are finite or infinite in numbers.
For example, in the sequence 2,4,6,8, ? , each number is increasing by sequence 2. Here the
pattern rule is start at 2. Add 2 to each time. So, last number will be 8+2 =10.

Core of a pattern
The core of a pattern is the smallest string of elements that repeats.

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Mathematics Unit 1.1 Pattern

In this pattern the shape and colour changes

The core of this pattern is

The pattern rule is black triangle & white circle.

Abstract Patterns

Any of the five senses may directly observe patterns. Conversely, abstract patterns in science,
mathematics, or language may be observable only by analysis.
Geometric pattern (Patterns of shapes)
A geometric pattern is a kind of pattern formed of geometric shapes and typically repeating like
a wallpaper. The geometric pattern is used in a variety of ways in our daily life. For example, a
dress pattern is a template, and a wall paper pattern may be an infinitely repeating design.

Numerical patterns (Number Patterns)

A sequence of numbers which follows a certain pattern is called number patter. Like 1,5,9,13,7,
……… is a number pattern whose first term is 1 and add 4 every time to get the other terms.
Example:
1. Fibonacci Number Pattern: the first number of the sequence is 0 or 1 and each new
number is the sum of its previous two numbers as 0, 1, 1, 2,3,5,…..
2. Growing number pattern
3. Repeating number pattern
4. Geometric number pattern etc.

Types of Patterns
There are three types of pattern: Repeating, Growing, and Shrinking.
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Mathematics Unit 1.1 Pattern

1. Repeating Patterns
A repeating pattern is a cyclical repetition of an identifiable core. Here the same grouping will
repeat over and over again. The pattern never changes. It can have long or short units. The
patterns can have any items such as numbers, shapes or colours.
Example: Consider the number pattern : 1,1,2,2,1,1, …
It is of the form AA, BB, AA,….

The core of this pattern is 1,1, 2,2,

2. Growing Patterns
Growing pattern is a pattern in which the numbers increase, and the amount added changes each
time in a predictable way. A growing pattern happens when something is added each time. It can
be shapes, picture, objects, numbers, etc.

Example
1. 120, 121, 123, 126, 130, 135, 141,…………..
The pattern rule is “start at 120 and Add 1. The amount you add increases by 1 each
time”.
2. 870, 880, 889, 897, 904, 910,………
The pattern rule is “start at 870. Add 10. The amount you add deceases by 1 each.
3. 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 17, .……….
The pattern rule is “start at 2, add 1 and the number you add goes up by 1 each time.
4.

3. Shrinking Patterns
A shrinking pattern is a pattern in which the numbers decrease, and the amount subtracted
changes each time in a particular way. A shrinking pattern happens when something is taken
away each time.

Example:
1. 81, 72, 64, 57, 46, …………
The pattern rule is “start at 81. Subtract 9. The amount you subtract decrease by 1 each
time”.
2. 537, 535, 531, 523, 507, 475,…….
The pattern rule is “start at 537. Subtract 2. The amount you subtract doubles each time.
3.

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Mathematics Unit 1.1 Pattern

Patterns in Daily Life

No fieldtrip into the local environment is complete without looking for the patterns that brighten
and enliven our world. What patterns are present, are they from the natural or manmade world?
What are the elements of pattern? What shapes do we see, how are colours used, do the patterns
have meaning or purpose, how many varieties are there, how do they differ, what elements are
the same? Looking at the overlapping tiles or wooden shingles on a roof we see a wide variety of
patterns.

We see the same type of pattern in the leaves of certain plants, on the scales on fish and snakes
and fir tree cones. They are not just pretty they are protection. Animals having overlapping body
structures are flexible; they can curl up.

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