Learning Target: I can find a pattern to solve word problems.

Generate and Evaluate Patterns

Example

Living cells, like those of bacteria, reproduce through a process called cell division.  One cell divides to make two new cells.  The two new cells in turn divide to make two cells each, or four in all.  The four cells divide to make eight cells, and so on in a continuous process.  If this pattern continues, how many cells will there be after the sixth division?

You already know that each cell divides to make two new cells.  You also know that this pattern of cell division continues.

Look for a pattern in the number of cells after each division.  Use the pattern to determine the number of cells after the sixth division.

List what you know.  Look for a pattern in the number of cells.

Use the rule to extend the pattern. 

There will be 64 cells after the sixth division.

Let's Practice Together

Find a pattern to solve each problem.

1.  Write the next three most likely numbers in the pattern shown below.

12    14     11     13     10     12

Your Turn

2.  A town decided to collect soda can tabs every day for a month for charity.  The number of soda tabs in the collection doubled every day.  If there were 6,144 soda tabs on day 12, how many tabs were there on day 6?

3.  Draw the next shape in this pattern.

4.  What two letters should come next in the pattern below?

A     D     G     J     M  

1.  Simian received the following score on his French quizzes.  If the pattern continues, what score should Simian receive on his next quiz? 

Answers

1.  9, 11, 8

2.  96

3. 

4.  P, S

Check for Understanding

1.  82