Multiplicative (Doubling) Patterns (Grades 5–6)
In a multiplicative pattern, each term is the previous one multiplied by a fixed number (the ratio), not added to.
Understanding multiplicative patterns
2, 4, 8, 16 doubles each time (×2); 3, 9, 27 triples (×3). Find the ratio by dividing a term by the one before it, then keep multiplying.
Seeing it in action
Worked example
Continue: 2, 4, 8, 16, __.
Ratio = 4 ÷ 2 = 2 (doubling). Next = 16 × 2 = 32.
Multiply by the same ratio each time.
A common mistake, and the fix
Treating it as an adding pattern.
In 3, 9, 27 the first jump is +6, so a child may answer 33, but the next jump is +18, so the jumps aren’t steady. Divide instead: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 and 27 ÷ 9 = 3, so each term is 3 times the last and the next one is 81.
Try a few
3, 9, 27, __
×3.
1, 5, 25, __
×5.
2, 6, 18, __
×3.
Number Current
A calm number-line game for placing whole numbers and extending patterns.
Try it in Numeris.
A short lesson, then practice with feedback on every answer.
Put the reasoning on paper.
Try six fraction, angle, perimeter and area questions with explained answers, for grades 4–6.
Free printable · 3 pagesText version (screen-reader friendly): Draw it. Explain it. Math sample
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