What your learner will practice
Multi-step thinking. Fourth graders practice larger numbers, fractions, decimals and multi-step reasoning. Encourage estimation as a way to check answers.
With number patterns in Grade 4, the goal is to build understanding and to explain the method, not just get a number. Take breaks and repeat short sessions when needed.
How to solve number patterns problems
- 1Compare neighboring terms to discover what changes.
- 2Test the rule on the next two terms.
- 3Write the missing terms and describe the rule in words.
Common mistake to watch for
Check more than one step before deciding on a rule.
Try these six examples
Read each question, solve on paper, and then check the answer. The full printable sets below provide 20 new problems each.
- Continue: 1,745, 1,749, 1,753, _____, _____ Answer: 1,757, 1,761
- Continue: 1,395, 1,405, 1,415, _____, _____ Answer: 1,425, 1,435
- Continue: 271, 281, 291, _____, _____ Answer: 301, 311
- Continue: 1,158, 1,160, 1,162, _____, _____ Answer: 1,164, 1,166
- Continue: 364, 366, 368, _____, _____ Answer: 370, 372
- Continue: 2,239, 2,242, 2,245, _____, _____ Answer: 2,248, 2,251
Helpful teaching idea
Have the learner make a new pattern for a family member to finish.
Ask for a strategy before computation. Show how to check a result with the reverse operation.