Virginia SOL Math / Grade 2 / Patterns, Functions & Algebra

2.PFA.1

Patterns

What you'll learn

  • Identify, describe, and extend repeating and growing patterns
  • Find the rule for a number pattern
  • Create a pattern from a given rule

Words to know

Pattern —
an ordered set that follows a rule
Rule —
what to do to get the next part
Repeating pattern —
a pattern that says the same part over and over
Growing pattern —
a pattern where the numbers get larger

Why it matters Finding a pattern rule lets us predict what comes next, in shapes, colors, or numbers.

Worked examples

Model ItI do

Find the rule and the next number: 5, 10, 15, ___.

Each number is 5 more than the one before, so the rule is add 5. The next number is 15 + 5 = 20.

Try It TogetherWe do

What comes next in this repeating pattern: circle, square, circle, square, ___?

The pattern repeats circle then square over and over. After square comes circle. So the next shape is a circle.

Now YouYou do

Find the rule and the next number: 2, 4, 6, ___.

Compare each number to the one before it. Check your answer in the back of this chapter.

Practice

Mastered 0 of 11

Warm-up

Ease in with the basics.

  1. 1.What comes next: red, blue, red, blue, ___?

  2. 2.Extend the pattern: 2, 4, 6, ___.

  3. 3.What comes next: 1, 2, 3, 4, ___?

On Level

The core Quick Check from the book.

  1. 1.Extend the pattern: 10, 20, 30, ___.

  2. 2.What is the rule for 3, 6, 9, 12?

  3. 3.What comes next: A, B, A, B, ___?

  4. 4.Fill the blank: 5, 10, ___, 20.

  5. 5.Create a pattern that starts at 2 and adds 2. Write the first four numbers.

Challenge

Stretch your thinking.

  1. 1.Find the rule and the next number: 5, 10, 15, 20, ___.

  2. 2.What is the rule for 4, 8, 12, 16?

  3. 3.Fill the blank: 30, 40, ___, 60.