Skip Counting & Constant-Step Patterns (Grade 4)
A constant-step pattern grows (or shrinks) by the same amount each time — 3, 6, 9, 12 steps by 3. To extend it, find the step by subtracting one term from the next, then keep adding that step. Spotting the step is the whole game.
Understanding skip counting & constant-step patterns
A constant-step pattern grows (or shrinks) by the same amount each time — 3, 6, 9, 12 steps by 3. To extend it, find the step by subtracting one term from the next, then keep adding that step. Spotting the step is the whole game.
Key Idea
A constant-step pattern grows (or shrinks) by the same amount each time — 3, 6, 9, 12 steps by 3. To extend it, find the step by subtracting one term from the next, then keep adding that step. Spotting the step is the whole game.
Seeing it in action
Worked example
Continue: 4, 8, 12, __.
Step = 8 − 4 = 4. Next = 12 + 4 = 16.
Find the constant step, then keep adding it.
Try a few
5, 10, 15, __
7, 14, 21, __
30, 25, 20, __
step −5.
Number Current
A calm number-line game for placing whole numbers and extending patterns.
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