P5–P6 Growing patterns and tables
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PSLE 2025 — Two patterns common terms
Pattern 1: 3, 7, 11, 15, ... Pattern 2: 7, 12, 17, 22, ... The number 7 is the first common term in both patterns. What is the sum of the next two common terms?
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The pattern behind it: Growing patterns and tables
Find the rule, so Figure 250 is no harder than Figure 4.
In this one. Once two patterns share a term, they share one again every LCM of their two step sizes — here every 4 × 5 = 20 — so one common term gives you the rest for free.
How to spot it
A row of figures or a table of numbers is shown for the first few terms only, and the question asks for a term far further along, such as 'Figure 6' or 'Figure 250'.
Common mistake
Children extend the sequence one term at a time by drawing or counting. Finding the fixed step or relationship lets them jump straight to the term asked for.
Try one like it
Challenging PSLE 2023 — Rods and straws grid A grid is built from rods and straws: the rods run one way and the straws run across them, so a grid m sections long and n section…The 33 problem patterns
All 33 patterns, one to a page — the 19 behind Primary 5 and 6 word problems, and the skills the younger years are built on. The bar model, how to spot it in the question, and the mistake children make. A booklet you can print. Free.
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