Patterns and Number Sequences — Victorian Year 3 Maths
Describing, continuing and completing number patterns, then following and creating simple algorithms, such as number machines, to investigate numbers. Two subtopics and 40 questions, aligned to VC2M3N09.
Patterns and Number Sequences in Victorian Year 3
Number patterns follow a rule, and algorithms are step-by-step instructions. In this topic Year 3 students describe, continue and complete patterns, and use simple algorithms such as number machines and flowcharts to explore numbers.
The two subtopics below cover describing and continuing number patterns, and following and creating algorithms to investigate numbers. Patterns and Number Sequences is one of the 18 topics in Victorian Year 3 Maths and sits in the Number strand. It covers Victorian Curriculum 2.0 code VC2M3N09. Spotting patterns supports skip counting in Multiplication and leads on to harder patterns and rules in Year 4.
Subtopics
Patterns and Number Sequences: common questions
How do you find the rule of a number pattern?
Look at the jump between neighbouring numbers. In \(12,\ 19,\ 26,\ 33\) each number is 7 more than the one before, so the rule is add 7 each time and the next number is 40.
How do you find a missing number in a pattern?
Find the rule from the numbers you can see, then use it to fill the gap. In \(50,\ 44,\ \square,\ 32\) the numbers go down by 6, so the missing number is 38. Check by carrying on: 38 take away 6 is 32.
What is an algorithm in Year 3 maths?
An algorithm is a list of steps followed in order, like a recipe. A number machine might say: double the number, then add 2. Put in 6 and you get 14. Flowcharts add yes/no questions, such as asking whether a number is bigger than 20.
How can we practise patterns at home?
Count on and back in twos, fives and tens in the car, look for patterns on a calendar or in house numbers along a street, and make growing patterns with blocks or pasta. Ask your child to say the rule in words.
Which curriculum codes cover Patterns and Number Sequences in Victorian Year 3?
The subtopics come under Victorian Curriculum 2.0 code VC2M3N09 (following and creating step-by-step algorithms and describing number patterns).