Grade 4 › G4U10 Sequences

Grade 4 › G4U10 Sequences › L4
GRADE 4 · ALBERTAOUTCOME AB-G4-4P1

L4 · Create and Explain Sequences: Clinic

Learning goal

“I can turn a picture pattern into a number sequence, build my own sequences from an initial term and a constant change, and explain - with the two tests - whether a sequence is arithmetic, geometric, or neither.”

Pictorial sequence — a pattern shown as a series of figures; each figure has a count, and the counts form a number sequence.
Classify — to sort a sequence into its type by testing it: arithmetic, geometric, or neither.
Explain the pattern — to state, in words: the initial term, the kind of change, and the constant change itself. An answer without the explanation is only half the skill in this lesson.
Worked example

A pattern of dot figures: Figure 1 has 3 dots. Figure 2 has 6 dots. Figure 3 has 9 dots. Figure 4 has 12 dots. Step 1: Count each figure and list the counts in order: 3, 6, 9, 12. Step 2: Test the list: gaps are +3, +3, +3 - constant. It is arithmetic. Step 3: Describe it fully: initial term 3, constant change +3. Figure 5 would have 15 dots. Say it plainly: every picture pattern hides a number sequence. Count, list, test, describe - in that order.

Check yourself — explain it

The first job with a picture pattern is...

Paired problem — example still visible

Figures made of sticks: Figure 1 uses 4 sticks, Figure 2 uses 7 sticks, Figure 3 uses 10 sticks, Figure 4 uses 13 sticks. Write the sequence and describe it. -> 4, 7, 10, 13 - arithmetic, initial term 4, constant change +3

Faded completion — last step is yours

"Figures have 5, 9, 13, 17 dots. Gaps: ___, ___, ___ - all the same, so it is arithmetic with constant change ___" -> +4; +4; +4; +4

Ready to practise?

10 scored questions with a 3-rung hint ladder. Mastery needs 8/10 plus both gate questions.

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