Expert: Lynn Houston - 10/27/2008

Question
i am trying to figure out how to teach my 5th grader to understand how to figure out how to solve number pattern's, but i cant seem to find a way to teach her to understand how to figure them out. for instance the problem "17,_,_62'_"  how would i explaine the process of solving these numerical processes so a 5th grader would understand it.  what words would i use or what kind of examples can i use that she can relate to? HELP! LOL  her mother and i have tired in soooo meany deferent ways that now we are confused and we aren't sure we understand it,and how to solve the problems any more!

chris&amy Paulos

Answer
There's no real process to solving number patterns, it's mostly trial and error.  You just have to figure out what is being done to each number.  For instance 1, 4, 8, 11, 15  the next two numbers would be? 18 and 22.  The sequence is + 3 and +4 alternating.  Like I said, it's just trial and error.  I don't know of any better way to explain it to a 5th grader, sorry.