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Skills Covered

  • Create a number pattern that follows a rule
  • Choose a rule to fit a clue
  • Write the rule of a pattern
  • Use all four operations in patterns
  • Invent a pattern for someone else to solve
  • Use multiplication and division facts in patterns

How to Use This Pack

Each page starts with a strip of rule ideas. Students follow four clues, such as "Start at 80. Make a division pattern", to build patterns of five numbers, and write the rule they used; the last clue is their own choice. At the bottom is a Mystery Pattern Challenge card: they invent a pattern, write only three of its numbers, and trade with a classmate who finds the missing two and the rule. Answers vary, so the keys show a sample for each.

In the Classroom

Model one clue on the board, showing that more than one rule can fit. Then let students trade mystery cards with a partner and solve each other’s patterns.

At Home

Let your child pick the rules, then check the pattern together by testing every jump. Take turns making mystery patterns for each other.

Tips for Success

  • Pick a rule first, then use it on every number
  • A division pattern needs numbers that divide evenly
  • Multiplying makes a pattern grow fast: start small
  • Check your pattern by testing every jump

Common Core Standards Alignment

This pack supports the following Common Core State Standards for Mathematics:

  • 3.OA.D.9 Spot patterns in addition tables, times tables and other arithmetic, and explain them with properties, like why multiples of 5 end in 0 or 5.

© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.

Create a Number Pattern

3rd Grade

Four third grade worksheets where students build their own number patterns. They follow clues to make adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing patterns, write each rule, and invent a mystery pattern for a classmate to solve. Includes color and black-and-white versions and sample answer keys.

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What’s Included

  • 4 printable worksheets with 4 pattern clues per page
  • A Mystery Pattern Challenge card on every page
  • Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division patterns
  • Color and printer-friendly black-and-white versions
  • Sample answer keys for all 4 worksheets
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Free to print and share

This worksheet is free to download, print, copy, and hand out in your classroom or at home. You do not need to create an account, and there are no watermarks on the PDF.